How to make haiku, Step 1

Step 1. Observe First-hand

This post has the word "make" in it because at one time, poets were called "makers." A poet is a maker of art with words. But how is it done? How do you make haiku?

Be aware of your surroundings, and yourself. Take time to observe the sky and the ground. Walk outdoors. Let the air touch your cheek. Is it hot and dry, or cold and wet? If the sun is out, is the day cloudy or bright? Do you hear any birds, squirrels, chipmunks, or other wild creatures? How does it feel to be out and about on this particular day, at this particular time?

You cannot write about it well, if you don't allow yourself to feel it, experience it.

Maybe your mind is on other things. That is OK. Those other things may become part of the poem. But for traditional haiku, it is good to anchor your feelings and thoughts in nature, in the concrete things that you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.

Does the air taste of pine? What does that remind you of?

Does the wind smell of automobile exhaust? Is it nauseating, or normal?

Does the snow crunch beneath your feet? Do you like it, or does it annoy you?

These are the starting points. This is where it all begins. With specificity. One season. One day. One hour. One minute. One or two observations, and a connection, an insight.

I like to say I cannot write haiku unless I stand in the rain. It is the personal, intimate experience of nature that spurs the muse.

That's how I make haiku. How about you?

My name is Rae Hallstrom, and Ameriku is my art and my business and my brand.

Ameriku Ltd produces nature-oriented art prints, posters, greeting cards and other items, based on my original haiku and photography.

Ameriku® is the registered trademark of Ameriku Ltd. When you see the Ameriku trademark, you can be sure the work meets my high standards of quality.