Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry comprised of three phrases.

Traditional haiku uses 17 syllables (5:7:5) but contemporary haiku in English often ignores this rule. A haiku is typically about nature, the earth and the natural world and are designed to be thought-provoking. These original haiku poems are by Anthony Rutledge and are mostly written in the contemporary free style format.

There are over 4,000 Haiku on this site in 15 different themes: Australian, Beach, Garden Sundial, In the Mirror,Kimono,Motherhood,Ships and Oceans,Spring,Windjammers and Miscellaneous.

CLICK ON YOUR FAVOURITE ZEN HAIKU CARD BELOW TO SHARE IT ON FACEBOOK

Haiku Logo

Grey dawn
so heavy the fog drains
out of tulip cups.

Poem Image
Haiku Logo

I know only
no matter how cute
most turtle young will be food

Poem Image
Haiku Logo

No hint of surf
only the feel of quicksand
between the child’s toes.

Poem Image
Haiku Logo

new curtains
out to their necks
in spring breezes

Poem Image
Haiku Logo

A mountain trek
on the downhill side
two butterflies leading.

Poem Image
Haiku Logo

living elderly–
bread crusts
to the flaps of pigeons

Poem Image
Haiku Logo

her gate opens
the distance
to grandma’s strawberries

Poem Image
Haiku Logo

garden
Buddha’s
eternal
smile

Poem Image
Haiku Logo

morning Sun
the forest
breathes my breaths

Poem Image
Haiku Logo

in that moment
the well-water moon
shines back.

Poem Image
Haiku Logo

Pink bedroom
her thirteenth birthday
begins in the mirror.

Poem Image
Haiku Logo

Along the coast road
sunrise sweeps
from wave to wave.

Poem Image
<