A-Z Haikus
Test your poetry skills writing a haiku based on the A-Z of Camberwell
A haiku, or hokku, is a short Japanese poem which in English has three lines of 17 syllables. These poems describe things that help us to imagine a particular moment, memory or theme.
The first line of a haiku is 5 syllables long, followed by a second line of 7 syllables, and a third line of 5 syllables. These short lines mean that every word counts when making a haiku, so it’s important to think about what words will best help readers to understand what you’re describing.
Your challenge is to write a haiku based on one of our Camberwell A-Z letters. From Burgess Park to fried chicken, theatre to Ruskin Park, there are 26 letters to choose from, so get creative, and see how many haikus you can write celebrating some of the brilliant things that make Camberwell Camberwell!
You can use your imagination, memory or even photographs or a quick Google Image search to help inspire you. Make sure to post your creations online on Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #CamberwellAtoZ
You can find some examples of haikus based on our Camberwell A-Z below:
J is for Jazz at the Crypt
In semi-darkness
Figures hushed and expectant
Music swells and soars.
N is for Night Buss
Dawn barely broken
Chips smell inviting envy
The night bus holds us.
P is for Pubs
Laughter sings and swoops
Seeking out a free table
A cold glass fizzes.
R is for Ruskin Park
Where daffodils sprung
The grassy carpet stretches
Soaked in sun and joy.
