Teàrlach MacDonald

Haiku (俳句) a traditional and structured short form of Japanese poetry consisting of seventeen syllables. Five in the first line, seven in the second, and five again in the third. Haikus are known for their ability to paint a vivid picture in just a few words. A practice of artistic discipline, their minimal nature forces writers to pare down to only the essentials making each word, or even syllable, count. Traditionally written about nature and despite their brevity have captivated Japanese readers since the seventeenth century. Today the form is practiced worldwide and has become established as part of our common global heritage.