Short Answer 
A haiku is a three-line poem with a 5-7-5 syllable structure, emphasizing deep emotions and insights. It features a kigo (seasonal word) to connect to nature and typically avoids a rhyme scheme, focusing instead on simplicity and the timelessness of ordinary experiences.
Step 1: Understand the Structure
A haiku is a unique form of poetry that consists of just three lines. The structure typically follows a 5-7-5 syllable count, meaning the first line has five syllables, the second has seven, and the third has five. This concise format allows for the expression of deep emotions and insights in a very limited space.
Step 2: Recognize Key Features
One of the important characteristics of a haiku is the presence of a kigo, or seasonal word, which signifies the time of year. This feature connects the poem to nature and the changing seasons. Additionally, haikus usually avoid a patterned rhyme scheme and instead focus on simplicity and the emotional weight of the words chosen.
Step 3: Focus on the Theme
Haikus aim to capture a natural scene or moment without telling a complicated story. They often express thoughts in the simple present tense, emphasizing the timelessness of nature and its relevance in our lives. By doing so, haikus evoke emotions through the imagery of ordinary yet profound experiences in nature.