When we think of haiku, we often imagine serene scenes of nature—a frog splashing into a pond, or cherry blossoms falling in the spring breeze. But these miniature 5-7-5 syllable poems are also perfect vehicles for capturing human emotion.
Learning how to write a haiku about a person allows you to distill your love, appreciation, or observation of someone into a single, crystalline moment. Whether it's a haiku for your wife, a playful verse for your boyfriend, or a tender observation of your daughter, the brevity of the form makes the emotion hit harder.
Here is a comprehensive guide to writing a personal haiku for the people you love, along with examples to inspire your own.
Tips for Writing a Haiku About a Person
Unlike nature haiku, which focus heavily on kigo (season words), human-centric haiku focus on the essence of the person. Here are three tips before we dive into specific examples:
- Focus on a Specific Moment: Don't try to summarize their whole life. Capture a single, specific detail—the way they laugh, how they hold a coffee cup, or the glint in their eyes.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of saying "I love you very much," describe an action that shows that love. "Your hand finding mine" is stronger than "You are my true love."
- Use the 5-7-5 Structure: Stick to the traditional syllables.
- Line 1: 5 syllables
- Line 2: 7 syllables
- Line 3: 5 syllables
Haiku for My Wife
When writing a haiku for your wife, focus on the quiet intimacies of a shared life. These poems are perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, or just slipping into her bag in the morning.
Example: Morning Routine
Soft hum from the stove (5)
Her laughter warms the kitchen (7)
Sunlight in her hair (5)
Example: Decades of Love
Lines around her eyes (5)
Maps of every time we smiled (7)
Growing old with grace (5)
Haiku for My Husband
A haiku for your husband can capture his strength, his humor, or the comforting presence he brings to your life. Focus on what makes him unique.
Example: Steady Shoulders
Broad and steady back (5)
You carry the heavy loads (7)
Safe within your arms (5)
Example: Weekend Mornings
Coffee on the porch (5)
You read the paper out loud (7)
My favorite sound (5)
Haiku for My Girlfriend / Haiku for My GF
If you're writing a haiku for your girlfriend, you might want to capture the excitement of romance, her beauty, or the special spark she brings to your world.
Example: The First Look
Eyes catch 'cross the room (5)
My heart stumbles in its beat (7)
You smile back at me (5)
Example: Summer Adventures
Windblown summer hair (5)
Road trip with the windows down (7)
Holding your soft hand (5)
Haiku for My Boyfriend
Writing a haiku for your boyfriend is a sweet way to surprise him. Think about the things he does that make you feel loved, or the little quirks you adore about him.
Example: The Mechanic
Grease upon your hands (5)
Fixing things until they work (7)
Patient with my heart (5)
Example: Movie Night
Head upon your chest (5)
Listening to your heartbeat (7)
Nothing else matters (5)
Haiku for My Love
Sometimes you just want a general romantic haiku—a "haiku for my love" that speaks to the deeper bond you share, regardless of titles.
Example: The Anchor
Tides pull to and fro (5)
But you are my steadfast rock (7)
Anchored in your love (5)
Example: Endless
Count the shining stars (5)
They run out long before I (7)
Run out of my love (5)
Haiku for My Daughter
Writing a haiku for your daughter is about capturing the fleeting moments of childhood, her growth, or her spirited personality.
Example: The Explorer
Mud upon her knees (5)
Finding treasures in the dirt (7)
Wild and running free (5)
Example: Growing Up
Once held in one arm (5)
Now reaching for the high shelf (7)
Blooming like a rose (5)
Haiku for My Son
A haiku for your son can celebrate his energy, his curiosity, or the quiet moments when he's finally asleep.
Example: Puddle Jumper
Rain boots shining red (5)
Jumping in the highest splash (7)
Laughter fills the air (5)
Example: The Dreamer
Fast asleep at last (5)
Dreaming of the distant stars (7)
Grow up strong and kind (5)
Write Your Own
Now that you've seen examples of how to write a haiku about a person, it's your turn. Pick your subject—your wife, husband, child, or partner—and think of one specific, beautiful detail about them. Count out your 5-7-5 syllables, and you'll have a meaningful gift they'll treasure forever.