58 Captivating Haiku Examples

Written in a 5-7-5 syllable count, traditional Japanese haiku are three-line poems that date back to the 13th century. Often incorporating images from nature, haiku became a direct and sometimes intense way to express ourselves. The simplicity makes it accessible to people of almost any reading level, making this type of poetry ideal for the classroom. Need some inspiration? We’ve put together this list of fun haiku poems for kids of all ages. Use these haiku examples to get everyone ready to write their own!

What Is Haiku?

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that consists of three lines following a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Haiku often captures a fleeting moment in nature, expresses deep emotions, or conveys a seasonal reference (this is called “kigo” in Japanese). This style of poetry is known for its simplicity, vivid imagery, and ability to evoke strong feelings in just a few words.

Example Haiku:

Autumn breeze whispers,
Golden leaves dance on the ground,
Silent sky turns gray.

This haiku captures the transition of autumn, using sensory details and movement to bring the scene to life. The short structure makes haiku perfect for teaching students about syllables, imagery, and how to say more with fewer words.

Haiku Poems for Kids

1. A Morning (Haiku) by Arun Bahadur Gurung

“Bees nudged the flowers …”

Themes: Nature, renewal, peaceful moments
Literary devices: Imagery, personification, sensory details

This haiku captures a tranquil morning scene where bees interact with flowers, emphasizing harmony in nature. It’s a great choice for teaching students how haiku use small moments to evoke larger themes of life and renewal.

2. Haiku Year by Paul Holmes

“Delightful display
Snowdrops bow their pure white heads
To the sun’s glory.”

Themes: Seasonal changes, observation, appreciation of nature
Literary devices: Vivid imagery, symbolism, juxtaposition

This haiku reflects the beauty of winter, using snowdrops as a delicate symbol of seasonal transition. It’s useful for discussing how haiku often focus on the natural world and how small details can suggest broader themes.

3. Spring Is in the Air by Kaitlyn Guenther

“Spring is in the air
Flowers are blooming sky high
Children are laughing.”

Themes: Growth, renewal, energy of spring
Literary devices: Metaphor, sensory imagery, alliteration

This haiku celebrates the arrival of spring with bright, uplifting imagery. It’s great for exploring how haiku convey movement and liveliness in just a few words, making it a fun example for younger students.

4. October’s Gold by Paul Holmes

“Like crunchy cornflakes
Gold leaves rustle underfoot
Beauty in decay.”

Themes: Autumn, transformation, fleeting beauty
Literary devices: Simile, onomatopoeia, seasonal reference

By comparing fallen leaves to “crunchy cornflakes,” this haiku adds a playful, relatable touch to autumn imagery. It’s perfect for teaching figurative language and how sensory details enhance the reader’s experience.

5. The Pink Summer Sphere by Suh Joon Kim

“The chill, worming in …”

Themes: Change, nature’s cycles, contrast
Literary devices: Symbolism, contrast, personification

This haiku likely describes a summer fruit, possibly a watermelon, using precise language to evoke a sense of fleeting seasonal pleasure. It’s useful for discussing how haiku rely on subtle yet powerful imagery to create a sense of place and feeling.

6. Beaches by Kaitlyn Guenther

“Sand scatters the beach
Waves crash on the sandy shore
Blue water shimmers.”

Themes: Nature, relaxation, movement
Literary devices: Imagery, alliteration, personification

This haiku captures the lively yet peaceful essence of the beach, using vivid sensory details to describe sand, waves, and the ocean breeze. It’s a great example of how haiku can transport readers to a specific setting with just a few words.

7. Mellow May by Patricia L. Cisco

“Mellow, mild, May day,
Calling children out to play.
Summer’s on her way!”

Themes: Spring, renewal, tranquility
Literary devices: Alliteration, seasonal reference, soft imagery

This haiku conveys the calm and warmth of a May day, using gentle language and repetition to create a soothing rhythm. It’s perfect for teaching how word choice influences mood and how haiku reflect seasonal beauty.

8. Autumn Love by Savannah M. Jones

“Coolness fills the air …”

Themes: Change, nostalgia, seasonal beauty
Literary devices: Personification, sensory imagery, contrast

This haiku evokes the crispness of autumn air, using simple yet effective language to reflect both the physical and emotional changes that come with the season. It’s a strong example for discussing how haiku capture fleeting moments.

9. Snowflakes Haiku by Kaitlyn Guenther

“Snowflakes are our friends
They descend when winter comes
Making white blankets.”

Themes: Winter, playfulness, appreciation for nature
Literary devices: Metaphor, repetition, childlike wonder

This haiku presents snowflakes as friendly and magical, making it an accessible and engaging piece for younger readers. It’s useful for discussing how haiku can personify nature to create warmth and joy even in cold settings.

10. Meteor Shower by Michael Dylan Welch

“meteor shower …
a gentle wave
wets our sandals.”

Themes: Wonder, impermanence, connection to nature
Literary devices: Contrast, imagery, minimalism

This haiku beautifully contrasts the vastness of space with the gentle movement of a wave, emphasizing the fleeting nature of a meteor shower. It’s an excellent example of how haiku often explore deep, contemplative themes in a simple, elegant way.

Haiku Poems for Middle and High School

11. In a Station of the Metro by Ezra Pound

“The apparition of these faces
in the crowd …”

Themes: Transience, modern life, fleeting beauty
Literary devices: Imagery, juxtaposition, metaphor

Though not a traditional haiku, this famous imagist poem follows haiku-like principles with its brevity and sharp contrast between the faces in the metro and petals on a branch. It’s excellent for discussing how modern poetry adapts haiku techniques to capture brief but powerful moments.

12. The light of a candle by Yosa Buson

“The light of a candle
is transferred to another candle—
spring twilight.”

Themes: Continuity, kindness, impermanence
Literary devices: Symbolism, simplicity, metaphor

This haiku uses the image of a candle’s flame passing from one to another as a metaphor for shared wisdom, kindness, or life itself. It’s a great example for discussing how haiku use minimalism to express profound truths.

13. Haiku Ambulance by Richard Brautigan

“A piece of green pepper
fell
off the wooden salad bowl:
so what?”

Themes: Absurdity, perception, randomness
Literary devices: Surrealism, contrast, unexpected imagery

This unconventional haiku presents a humorous and surreal contrast between something ordinary (a green pepper) and something urgent (an ambulance). It’s useful for exploring how modern haiku can break traditional rules to create surprising and thought-provoking imagery.

14. A Poppy Blooms by Katsushika Hokusai

“I write, erase, rewrite …”

Themes: Creativity, persistence, imperfection
Literary devices: Repetition, symbolism, personal reflection

This haiku likens the process of writing to the delicate blooming of a poppy, emphasizing the struggle and joy of creation. It’s excellent for discussing how haiku can reflect personal experiences while maintaining their connection to nature.

15. Summer Haibun by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

“the cool night before
star showers: so sticky so
warm so full of light.”

Themes: Memory, seasonal change, sensory experience
Literary devices: Haibun form (prose + haiku), imagery, contrast

This poem blends haibun—a combination of prose and haiku—to create a rich, immersive moment that captures summer’s atmosphere. It’s a great piece for introducing students to haibun as a poetic form and exploring how sensory details bring poetry to life.

16. After the Gentle Poet Kobayashi Issa by Robert Hass

“New Year’s morning—
everything is in blossom!
I feel about average.”

Themes: Renewal, joy, appreciation for life
Literary devices: Seasonal reference (kigo), simplicity, contrast

This haiku honors Issa’s gentle style, celebrating the fresh start of a new year with a sense of wonder. It’s great for discussing how haiku capture brief yet meaningful moments and how poets pay tribute to those who inspire them.

17. Haiku by Etheridge Knight

“Eastern guard tower
glints in sunset; convicts rest
like lizards on rocks.”

Themes: Confinement, fleeting beauty, contrast
Literary devices: Juxtaposition, symbolism, simile

Written from the perspective of an incarcerated person, this haiku contrasts the harshness of prison life with the natural beauty of a sunset. It’s a powerful piece for discussing how haiku can express deep emotions and social commentary through simple imagery.

18. fallen leaves by John Brandi

“fallen leaves
the abbot sweeps
around them”

Themes: Impermanence, mindfulness, simplicity
Literary devices: Seasonal reference (kigo), personification, symbolism

This haiku captures the quiet moment of an abbot sweeping fallen leaves, symbolizing both physical and spiritual cleansing. It’s perfect for discussing how haiku reflect Zen philosophy and the appreciation of everyday moments.

19. [The earth shakes] by Steve Sanfield

“The earth shakes …”

Themes: Nature’s power, change, balance
Literary devices: Minimalism, sensory imagery, contrast

This haiku subtly describes an earthquake’s gentle movement, leaving space for interpretation. It’s a great example of how haiku use simplicity and restraint to evoke larger, sometimes unsettling themes.

20. The bottoms of my shoes by Jack Kerouac

“The bottoms of my shoes
are clean
from walking in the rain.”

Themes: Transience, travel, self-reflection
Literary devices: Humor, minimalism, personal tone

Kerouac, known for his free-spirited approach to haiku, uses this one to reflect on movement and detachment. It’s useful for discussing how haiku can be playful yet profound, and how Beat poets adapted the form to suit their own voices.

21. [the snow is melting] by Kobayashi Issa

“The snow is melting
and the village is flooded
with children.”

Themes: Change, impermanence, nature’s cycles
Literary devices: Seasonal reference (kigo), contrast, imagery

Issa captures the natural transition from winter to spring, showing both the beauty and consequences of melting snow. This haiku is great for discussing how nature reflects the passage of time and how haiku use simple language to convey deeper meanings.

22. Age Ten by Benna Crawford

“I don’t do dishes
My room is a garbage dump
Mom is not happy.”

Themes: Childhood, independence, humor
Literary devices: Hyperbole, contrast, casual tone

This playful haiku captures the messy, carefree world of a 10-year-old using humor and exaggeration. It’s an excellent example of how haiku can reflect modern, everyday experiences and be relatable to young readers.

23. Heaven’s Photoshoot by Imteyaz

“When I see lightning,
I like to think that the sky
captures Earth’s beauty.”

Themes: Wonder, nature’s power, fleeting beauty
Literary devices: Metaphor, imagery, personification

This haiku compares lightning to a photoshoot in the sky, turning a natural event into a striking visual. It’s great for exploring metaphor and how haiku can transform everyday sights into something magical.

24. Fishing With Grandpa by Shawn Sackman

“I feel it tugging
Hanging on—It must be huge!
Bluegill, smiles, grandpa.”

Themes: Patience, excitement, family bonding
Literary devices: Suspense, sensory imagery, personal reflection

This haiku builds tension as the speaker feels a fish tugging, making it a great example of how haiku can capture a brief but memorable moment. It’s perfect for discussing how poets use pacing and imagery to create emotion in just a few lines.

25. Family Love Is by Michele Meleen

“Like the sun rises …”

Themes: Unconditional love, warmth, stability
Literary devices: Simile, symbolism, natural imagery

By comparing family love to the rising sun, this haiku expresses warmth and consistency. It’s a great choice for discussing how similes and nature imagery can make abstract ideas feel tangible and universal.

26. School by Benna Crawford

“My homework is late
Dog ate it before breakfast
Very helpful dog.”

Themes: Responsibility, childhood, humor
Literary devices: Irony, contrast, casual tone

This haiku humorously captures the relatable panic of late homework, making it a fun piece for students. It’s a great example of how modern haiku can reflect everyday experiences while keeping a lighthearted tone.

27. Japanese Hokku by Lewis Grandison Alexander

“Life goes by moving,
Up and down a chain of moods
Wanting what’s nothing.”

Themes: Time, movement, impermanence
Literary devices: Symbolism, repetition, philosophical tone

This poem reflects on the passage of time and life’s constant movement. It’s an excellent choice for discussing how haiku often focus on impermanence (mujō), a core concept in traditional Japanese poetry.

28. [An ancient pond!] by Matsuo Basho

“An ancient pond!
With a sound from the water
Of the frog as it plunges in.”

Themes: Stillness, nature, timelessness
Literary devices: Juxtaposition, sensory imagery, simplicity

This famous haiku captures a moment of deep stillness, disrupted by the sudden splash of a frog. It’s often used to teach kigo (seasonal references), kireji (cutting words), and the essence of traditional haiku—observation and minimalism.

29. Happiness by Benna Crawford

“I got an A-plus
So Dad bought me an ice cream
My life is perfect.”

Themes: Joy, accomplishment, childhood
Literary devices: Repetition, contrast, personal tone

This haiku captures a child’s excitement over getting an A-plus, showing how small victories bring great happiness. It’s perfect for discussing how simple words can evoke strong emotions.

30. Over the Wintry by Natsume Sōseki

“Over the wintry
Forest, winds howl in rage …”

Themes: Isolation, quietness, seasonal change
Literary devices: Imagery, contrast, mood

This haiku (often translated as “Over the wintry / Forest, winds howl in rage / With no leaves to blow”) paints a vivid picture of a cold, barren landscape. It’s great for discussing how haiku use seasonal imagery to reflect emotions and atmosphere.

31. Haiku by Ray McNiece

“I shovel snow
from Cleveland front lawn
just to see green.”

Themes: Hard work, nature, persistence
Literary devices: Contrast, sensory imagery, minimalism

This haiku captures the effort of shoveling snow, a mundane yet meditative act, to reveal green grass underneath. It’s a great example of how haiku can reflect simple daily tasks while subtly conveying endurance and accomplishment.

32. Happy Birthday by Benna Crawford

“It’s your birthday but
Didn’t get you anything
Kids are always broke.”

Themes: Humor, friendship, honesty
Literary devices: Irony, casual tone, directness

This playful haiku captures the awkwardness of forgetting a gift while still acknowledging the special day. It’s useful for discussing how modern haiku can take a lighthearted and relatable approach to everyday situations.

33. [The faint shadow of the morning moon?] by Yone Noguchi

“Nay, the snow falling on the earth.
The mist of blossoming flowers?
Nay, poetry smiling up the sky.”

Themes: Illusion, impermanence, natural beauty
Literary devices: Contrast, symbolism, seasonal reference (kigo)

This haiku presents a subtle contrast between the fading moon and the falling snow, emphasizing the fleeting nature of both. It’s excellent for teaching how haiku often contrast two natural elements to create a deeper sense of impermanence.

34. [The cry of the cicada] by Matsuo Basho

“The cry of the cicada
Gives us no sign …”

Themes: Stillness, transience, reflection
Literary devices: Juxtaposition, seasonal reference (kigo), sound imagery

This famous haiku focuses on the cry of the cicada, which paradoxically symbolizes silence and stillness. It’s perfect for exploring how haiku use paradox and sensory details to evoke complex emotions.

35. Blind Boone’s Apparitions by Tyehimba Jess

“my motto for life
– merit, not sympathy, wins –
my song against death.”

Themes: Music, resilience, artistic vision
Literary devices: Metaphor, historical reference, symbolism

This haiku references John “Blind” Boone, a musician known for overcoming obstacles. It’s useful for discussing how haiku can honor historical figures while using minimal words to convey deep meaning.

36. Birds Punctuate the Days by Joyce Clement

“apostrophe
the nuthatch inserts itself
between feeder and pole”

Themes: Nature, language, observation
Literary devices: Metaphor, wordplay, symbolism

This haiku cleverly connects punctuation to bird behavior, using a nuthatch as an “apostrophe.” It’s a great example for discussing how haiku can blend nature and language in creative ways.

37. Laundry by Benna Crawford

“Where are my clean socks?
These smell worse than rotten fish
Time to do laundry.”

Themes: Everyday life, frustration, humor
Literary devices: Rhetorical question, minimalism, simile

This haiku humorously captures the all-too-common struggle of missing socks. It’s a fun choice for discussing how haiku can be relatable and lighthearted while still following the traditional form.

38. [A cloud of flowers!] by Matsuo Basho

“A cloud of flowers!
Is the bell Uyeno
Or Asakusa?”

Themes: Transience, beauty, nature
Literary devices: Seasonal reference (kigo), imagery, sensory details

This haiku describes cherry blossoms (sakura), a famous symbol of renewal in Japanese poetry. It’s excellent for discussing how haiku reflect seasonal beauty and the fleeting nature of life.

39. 5 & 7 & 5 by Anselm Hollo

“follow that airplane
of course I’m high this is
an emergency.”

Themes: Travel, movement, intrigue
Literary devices: Modern haiku form, imagery, immediacy

This contemporary haiku follows the structure but adds a modern twist by capturing the movement of an airplane. It’s useful for showing how haiku can evolve while still preserving their essence.

40. Nine Haiku by TC Tolbert

“I love the fully
inflated tire upright in
gravel—near the car.”

Themes: Observation, transformation, everyday beauty
Literary devices: Fragmented imagery, free verse influence, contrast

This haiku reflects an appreciation for small, ordinary objects (like an inflated tire) and transforms them into poetic moments. It’s great for discussing how modern haiku expand on traditional themes in innovative ways.

41. [’Twas the new moon!] by Matsuo Basho

“Since then I waited …”

Themes: Anticipation, time, nature’s cycles
Literary devices: Seasonal reference (kigo), imagery, patience as a theme

This haiku captures the speaker’s waiting from the new moon onward, emphasizing the quiet passage of time. It’s an excellent choice for discussing how haiku often reflect on patience and the natural rhythms of life.

42. Christmas by Benna Crawford

“Santa is coming
He rewards good behavior
No presents for me.”

Themes: Holiday excitement, good and bad behavior, reward and punishment
Literary devices: Repetition, rhythm, cause and effect

This haiku captures the anticipation of Christmas Eve, making it an engaging poem for younger readers. It’s a great example of how haiku can reflect cultural traditions and special moments.

43. Haikus by Willie Perdomo

“This evening’s Black sound
Walks like a cat on grass blades
Your nickname two-steps.”

Themes: Identity, sound, cultural expression
Literary devices: Sensory imagery, symbolism, simile

This haiku explores the connection between sound and cultural identity, using concise, powerful language. It’s useful for discussing how haiku can address personal and social themes beyond nature.

44. Conversation in Isolation by Harryette Mullen

“Neighbors nail the planks
dividing their yard from mine.
Our durable fence.”

Themes: Separation, modern life, division
Literary devices: Irony, contrast, personification

This haiku reflects on physical and emotional isolation, with neighbors building barriers rather than communicating. It’s great for discussing how haiku can address contemporary themes in a minimalist yet impactful way.

45. Spring by Benna Crawford

“Pale green shoots of grass …”

Themes: Renewal, seasonal transition, growth
Literary devices: Imagery, symbolism, seasonal reference (kigo)

This haiku captures the arrival of spring through the image of fresh grass shoots, symbolizing new beginnings. It’s a great example for teaching how haiku use nature to represent larger ideas like hope and renewal.

46. [Ah! the waving lespedeza,] Matsuo Basho

“Ah! the waving lespedeza,
Which spills not a drop
Of the clear dew!”

Themes: Nature’s beauty, stillness, impermanence
Literary devices: Personification, imagery, seasonal reference (kigo)

This haiku focuses on lespedeza (bush clover), a plant often associated with autumn in Japanese poetry. The imagery of the plant’s movement without spilling a drop conveys a sense of harmony and balance, making it a great example of how haiku capture small yet profound moments in nature.

47. A World of Dew by Kobayashi Issa

“A world of dew,
And within every dewdrop
A world of struggle.”

Themes: Impermanence, suffering, beauty in small moments
Literary devices: Metaphor, symbolism, sensory imagery

Issa’s haiku reflects on the transient nature of life through dewdrops, a common symbol of impermanence in Japanese poetry. It’s an excellent piece for discussing how haiku can express deep philosophical ideas through simple, natural imagery.

48. Anger by Benna Crawford

“Tonight I’m a bee
Buzzing and darting about
Preparing to sting.”

Themes: Emotion, frustration, transformation
Literary devices: Metaphor, contrast, symbolism

By comparing anger to a bee’s behavior, this haiku uses a striking metaphor to illustrate the speaker’s emotional state. It’s useful for discussing how haiku can capture human emotions through vivid, relatable images.

49. Haiku [i am moving in] by Sonia Sanchez

“air amazon woman bare …”

Themes: Strength, identity, self-discovery
Literary devices: Free verse influence, fragmented structure, modern haiku approach

This contemporary haiku departs from the traditional form while maintaining the essence of haiku’s brevity and focus on a single moment. It’s great for exploring how modern poets adapt haiku to address themes of identity and empowerment.

50. The Old Pond by Matsuo Basho

“Old pond …
a frog jumps in
water’s sound”

Themes: Stillness, nature, sudden change
Literary devices: Seasonal reference (kigo), juxtaposition, onomatopoeia

One of the most famous haiku of all time, this poem captures the moment of a frog jumping into an old pond, breaking the silence with a splash. It’s perfect for discussing how haiku use contrast and sound to create a vivid, timeless image.

51. Lines on a Skull by Ravi Shankar

“life’s little, our heads
sad. Redeemed and wasting clay
this chance. Be of use.”

Themes: Mortality, impermanence, reflection
Literary devices: Symbolism, contrast, philosophical tone

This haiku reflects on life’s fleeting nature using the imagery of a skull, a powerful symbol of death. It’s a great example of how haiku can be philosophical and thought-provoking, making it useful for discussions on impermanence and the human condition.

52. O snail by Kobayashi Issa

“O snail,
climb Mt. Fuji,
but slowly, slowly.”

Themes: Persistence, patience, resilience
Literary devices: Metaphor, symbolism, simplicity

Issa uses the slow movement of a snail as a metaphor for perseverance, showing that even small steps can lead to great achievements. This haiku is perfect for discussions about determination and how haiku often find deep meaning in ordinary things.

53. I want to sleep by Masaoka Shiki

“Swat the flies …”

Themes: Rest, irritation, humor
Literary devices: Imperative tone, imagery, simplicity

This haiku humorously expresses frustration at being disturbed while trying to sleep, capturing a relatable moment. It’s useful for showing how haiku can depict everyday experiences with both simplicity and emotion.

54. Winter Solitude by Matsuo Basho

“winter solitude—
a world of one color
the sound of wind”

Themes: Isolation, stillness, seasonal beauty
Literary devices: Imagery, contrast, symbolism

This haiku paints a picture of a quiet, snow-covered world, using “one color” to emphasize the stillness of winter. It’s a great example of how haiku use minimal words to evoke strong emotions and a sense of atmosphere.

55. I am nobody by Richard Wright

“I am nobody:
A red sinking autumn sun
Took my name away.”

Themes: Identity, insignificance, nature’s power
Literary devices: Contrast, symbolism, existential tone

By pairing self-erasure with the setting sun, this haiku reflects on identity and impermanence. It’s an excellent choice for discussing how haiku can explore deep existential themes in just a few lines.

56. Haiku (The low yellow …) by Jack Kerouac

“The low yellow
moon above the
Quiet lamplit house.”

Themes: Nature, observation, movement
Literary devices: Imagery, simplicity, Beat poetry influence

Kerouac’s haiku captures a moment of quiet observation, reflecting the Beat generation’s appreciation for spontaneous beauty. It’s useful for exploring how haiku can embrace a modern, free-flowing style while maintaining traditional themes.

57. Haiku (The Taste …) by Jack Kerouac

“The taste
of rain …”

Themes: Sensory experience, mindfulness, nature
Literary devices: Sensory imagery, minimalism, immediacy

This haiku distills a simple yet profound moment—the taste of rain—into its essence. It’s perfect for discussing how haiku capture fleeting sensory experiences and how minimal words can evoke strong emotions.

58. Haiku [for you] by Sonia Sanchez

“love between us is
speech and breath. loving you is
a long river running.”

Themes: Love, connection, movement
Literary devices: Metaphor, rhythm, fluidity

Sanchez’s haiku beautifully compares love to speech, breath, and a flowing river, emphasizing its natural and continuous presence. It’s an excellent example of how modern haiku can explore themes beyond nature while maintaining the traditional form’s depth and simplicity.

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