Haiku, a traditional Japanese poetry form, consists of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. This concise style captures moments of nature, emotions, or experiences with profound simplicity. Originating in the 17th century, haiku emphasizes seasonal references (kigo) and a cutting word (kireji) to juxtapose two ideas. The form's brevity and depth encourage mindfulness and reflection, making it a timeless and universal expression of human connection to the natural world.