Pure Haiku is open to submissions on the theme mentioned below.
Deadline is 28th February 2023 at midnight UK time.
Please read the guidelines below before sending in your haiku.
The theme is ORCHID by Jonathon B. Hoyt. Please use the image above as a starting point for your haiku. You can use just one of the images above and write all 5 haiku about it, or, you can use several or all of the images as your inspiration for this theme. Remember that your haiku need to stand alone without the image/s being present when read.
I love haiku that imply, rather than describe. For instance, traditional haiku are supposed to mention a season somewhere in one line, but I prefer the implication of a season as it means I have to work harder for the words. I love contrasts, juxtapositions and a-ha moments. But best of all I love excellent use of the English language! Send me your haiku that take me beyond reality, that have something Other, that spark that fires my imagination…
Things to consider when writing haiku for this theme: Why are there four images making one collage? Is there a significance in the orchid photographed being white? Is it significant that the two main colours in the images are black and white? What does the orchid symbolise? What is the overall emotion you feel when looking at the collage? What do you think was in the photographer’s mind when he took these photos? What does the orchid mean to you personally?
You are NOT allowed to include the words orchid or orchids in either the titles for your haiku (if you choose to provide titles – I prefer untitled haiku) or in the body of your haiku.
Don’t forget that if you send in 5 excellent haiku, you’ll be in with a chance of making one of the TWO Featured Haiku Writer slots in either May or July this year!
Here at Pure Haiku I only publish classical haiku in the English language which are constructed in the strict syllabic structure of 5-7-5.
First line = 5 syllables
Second line = 7 syllables
Third line = 5 syllables
If you would like to submit your haiku written in the English language for publication on this site, please read Submission Email and the Submit Page, before sending a maximum of 5 haiku to: –
purehaiku (at) gmail (dot) com
with SUBMISSIONS, the THEME and your NAME in the subject line.
Please include the following in the body of the email: –
Your first name*
Your last name*
Your email address* (This is for correspondence purposes only and will not be published)
Your haiku* (all 5 in one email please) (they do not have to be titled) The full address of your blog or website if you have one or the full address of one of your social media outlets (only one site per submission please)
The name you want to appear on the copyright*
One sentence introducing yourself. Be quirky and interesting – you want people to find you, don’t you?
Please tell me also where you heard about this current theme eg via Pure Haiku, a Facebook group or someone’s blog post.
Asterisked points are mandatory. If you don’t provide the information requested, your submission won’t be considered.
Featured Haiku Writer – There are now TWO Featured Haiku Writers per theme. To be in with a chance of being selected for these slots (you get all FIVE of your haiku published on consecutive days either at the beginning of the themed selection, or at the end) make sure you send in five outstanding haiku on the current theme.
Even if you have had haiku published on this site before, please still include all this information as I do not keep any details of previous submissions. By including all the required details it makes my life easier when scheduling haiku. Thank you.
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