How To Write Abbreviated Haiku 

This form is, you guessed it, based on the traditional haiku. The abbreviated haiku follows the 3-5-3 syllable structure as opposed to the classic 5-7-5. This form takes the already short form and shrinks it even further. Eleven syllables is not a lot to work with, but if you like small forms or challenges then this one is for you.

Rules of the Abbreviated Haiku

1. It is a poem of 3 lines
2. It has 3 syllables in the first and third lines.
3. It has 5 syllables in the second line.
4. There is no set meter or rhyme scheme

Advantages of the Form

If you write a lot of poetry, you will know that one of the most crucial aspects to writing good poetry is an economy of words. Using just the right word in just the right place to say just the right thing. It’s difficult to practice that, or perfect it, but the abbreviated haiku is the perfect place for you to get your reps in.

Challenges of the Form

Most of the advantages double as challenges with this strict form. Eleven syllables is not a lot to work with, and it can be difficult to fit everything you want to say into that tiny tercet. Fitting everything into this tiny package will push your vocabulary skills and your imagination. But that’s for the best! So why not give it a try?

Abbreviated Haiku Writing Prompts

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The haiku is one of the most coveted forms of poetry in the world. Famous haiku date back centuries, and cover a wide range of topics in nature. For this prompt, we are using some of the most popular topics in haiku history. Consider it an “abbreviated” history lesson

Prompt 1 – Frog Haiku

Write an abbreviated haiku about a frog

Example:

She grows up
When she ceases to 
Pick up frogs 

Prompt 2 – Cat Haiku

Write an abbreviated haiku about a cat

Example:

Night noises- 
There’s an intruder?
No, my cat

Prompt 3 – Flora Haiku

Write an abbreviated haiku about flora

Example:

Each moment 
with you is living—
red roses

Prompt 4 – Fauna Haiku

Write an abbreviated haiku about fauna.

Example:

Walk quickly
Small mouse! The harsh eye
of an owl

Prompt 5 – Moon Haiku

Write an abbreviated haiku about the moon

Example:

‘Look the moon!’
My daughter finds her
First quarter

Prompt 6 – Friendship Haiku

Write an abbreviated haiku about friendship

Example:

The return
of a nine-rap-knock—
open door

Prompt 7 – Snow Haiku

Write about snow

Example:

When he left
The snow covered up
Dad’s footprints