How to Write a Senryu (Haiku vs. Senryu)

Haiku and Senryu are often confused with one another. They are both three line poems with a 5/7/5 syllable count but the difference is subject and tone. A haiku is about nature and seasons with a somewhat reverent tone while haiku’s cousin, senryu ,is about human nature (characteristics, behavior, emotions, traits) often with an humorous tone. See my example poems below.

Haiku (NATURE):

acorns pelt my head
i look up in the oak tree
at squirrels laughing

©Danna Smith at


i tipped the artist
a benjamin for every
wrinkle overlooked

©Danna Smith at

rules for writing a senryu

  1. Three lines with optional 5/7/5/ syllable count.
  2. Like haiku, senryu is written in incomplete sentences.
  3. Usually speaks of human nature (behavior, emotions, characteristics).
  4. Often has a humorous tone.
  5. Senryu are untitled and do not rhyme.
  6. As with haiku, no capitalizations or periods (em dash, comma, and explanation points are okay)


  • Clap out each syllable as you say the word. 
  • The word “blue” has one syllable (one clap): blue.
  • The word “thunder” has two syllables (two claps): thun-der. 
  • The word “poetry” has three syllables (three claps): po-et-ry.

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