Can A Haiku Exceed 17 Syllables?

Is it possible for a haiku to contain 20 syllables? Haikus are traditionally composed of three lines, totaling 17 syllables: 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, and 5 in the third. However, it’s crucial to note that the essence of a haiku is not solely defined by its syllable count, as it doesn’t necessarily have to adhere to this structure. In the original Japanese form, haiku is written in 17 “on” or sound units, which is a slightly different concept than English syllables. Therefore, while the 5-7-5 structure is a common guideline for English haikus, variations can certainly exist, including those with 20 syllables, as long as they capture the essence and brevity associated with haiku poetry.

Is it possible for a haiku to consist of 19 syllables? This question often arises in discussions about haiku, with some experts suggesting that haikus are essentially unfinished poems, leaving it up to the reader to complete the poetic experience in their mind. To explore this, I recently examined ten haikus by classical Japanese poets. Upon close examination, I found that the syllable count in these haikus varied widely, ranging from as few as 11 to as many as 19 syllables. Interestingly, only two of them had precisely 17 syllables. This observation, made on August 5, 2020, highlights the intriguing diversity within the realm of haiku poetry and challenges conventional notions about their syllable structure.