20 Of The Most Beautiful Haiku Poems Inspired By Nature

There are seldom things that capture natures beauty more than an elegant poem. Haiku poetry is a traditional Japanese form of this medium that contain only 17 syllables written in a 5, 7, 5 pattern. 

Since it’s creation, many incredible poets and writers have penned these simple yet complex pieces. In this list, we’ll look at 20 of the best haiku poems that center around the theme of nature. 

*While some of these poems may not appear to follow the 5, 7, 5 pattern, keep in mind many of the Japanese poems translated to English lost their syllable count due to the difference in language. 

1. “A World Of Dew” – Kobayashi Issa

A world of dew,

And within every dewdrop

A world of struggle.

2. “The Moon Beholders” – Matsuo Bashō

From time to time

The clouds give rest

To the moon-beholders.

3. “A Day In Spring” – Masaoka Shiki

Toward those short trees

We saw a hawk descending

On a day in spring.

4. “The Clear Day” – Takahama Kyoshi

The clear day in the rainy season.

The madder red of the twilight appeared

And vanished instantly.   

5. “Over The Wintry” – Natsume Sōseki

Over the wintry

Forest, winds howl in rage

With no leaves to blow.

6. “The Taste Of Rain” – Jack Kerouac 

The taste

Of rain

—Why kneel?

7. “The Old Pond” – Matsuo Bashō

An old silent pond

A frog jumps into the pond—

Splash! Silence again.

8. “Lighting One Candle” – Yosa Buson

The light of a candle

Is transferred to another candle—

Spring twilight.

9. “Don’t Weep” – Kobayashi Issa

Don’t weep, insects –

Lovers, stars themselves,

Must part.

10. “Fallen Leaves” – Yosa Buson

Blowing from the west

Fallen leaves gather

In the east.

11. “The Cicada’s Cry” – Matsuo Bashō

In the cicada's cry

No sign can foretell

How soon it must die.

12. “The Wren” – Kobayahsi Issa

The wren

Earns his living

Noiselessly.

13. “Winter Seclusion” – Kobayashi Issa

Winter seclusion -

Listening, that evening,

To the rain in the mountain.

14. “Voices Rise” – Natsume Soseki

Plum flower temple:

Voices rise

From the foothills.

15. “A Mountain Village – Masaoka Shiki

A mountain village

Under the piled-up snow

The sound of water.

16. “The Twilight Rain” – Matsuo Bashō

In the twilight rain

These brilliant-hued hibiscus -

A lovely sunset.

17. “The Distant Mountain” – Takahama Kyoshi

The distant mountain

Catch the sun.

The desolate field.

18. “The Sound Of Rain” – Hasegawa Kanajo 

The sound of rain.

The clouds on right-side are

With the summer moon.

19. “The Cool Breeze” – Kobayashi Issa

The cool breeze

Twisted and crooked,

Then came here.

20. “Persimmons” – Masaoaka Shiki

Consider me

As one who loved poetry

And persimmons.