"The American Haiku is not exactly the Japanese Haiku. The Japanese Haiku is strictly disciplined to seventeen syllables but since the language structure is different I don't think American Haikus (short three-line poems intended to be completely packed with Void of Whole) should worry about syllables because American speech is something again...bursting to pop.

Above all, a Haiku must be very simple and free of all poetic trickery and make a little picture and yet be as airy and graceful as a Vivaldi Pastorella."

Jack Kerouac







American Haiku:


No telegram today

only more leaves

fell.

(Jack Kerouac)






Early morning yellow flowers,

thinking about

the drunkards of Mexico.

(Jack Kerouac)





Nightfall,

boy smashing dandelions

with a stick.

(Jack Kerouac)





After the shower

among the drenched roses

the bird thrashing in the bath.

(Jack Kerouac)






Glow worm

sleeping on this flower -

your light's on.

(Jack Kerouac)