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.

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living elderly–
not helpful
to correct the young

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Holding its shape
unbaked
the thin clay vase.

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late afternoon
just one shadow measured
the garden sundial

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Ripe cornfield
discovering at the centre
a scarecrow’s clothes.

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Dawn rises
the wings of the sea eagle
re-shaping their light.

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butterflies-
where the fences meet
a spider- weaves

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first light
composing me a shadow
in the shade

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beyond all reason
the magpie hearing
a worm turn

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Wrapped chocolate box
the discounted price
catches her eye.

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raising the bucket
a black eel swims
in bright well water

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moon glow
with Venus nearby
guiding the lover’s touch.

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the sculptor’s nude
his model helping him
polish her.

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