The haiku poem is a Japanese traditional form.
It was given its current name by the Japanese poet Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902), who was a reformer and revisionist near the end of the 19th century.
The lines are 5/7/5.
The first line has five syllables, the second seven syllables, and the third five syllables.
The total syllable count is seventeen.
The haiku is similar to the senryu poem; however, the haiku addressees nature while the senryu addresses an emotional state of being or relationship.
Unlike a senryu poem, the haiku poem has a Kigo word which relates to a season of the year.
The haiku poem was first named the hokku poem by Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho (1644-1694).
The following is a series which shows the essence of the haiku poem: Haiku Season of Essence From the frozen lake Mist from a new dawn floating Heat from rising sun; Soft autumn wind blows Caressing our warm cheeks Walking hand in hand; Leaves blowing from trees Sun disappearing from sight Summer has faded; Roses blooming red Giving fragrance of summer Dawning with the sun; Snow falling deep Streets getting slushy and slick Keep shovel and salt; Spring flowers cresting Shadows of winter leaving Freshness in the air; Smoke from oil drums Light flickers in the distance Old man warming hands; Ivy vines on house Winter, spring, autumn, summer Green life blooms and grows; Dog stopped by hydrant Momentarily pausing Orange colored snow; Smoke from the stacks Clouds of white in winter's light Cherry wood on pile; Pattering on roof Water tapping on zinc sheets Summer falling rain;