A senryu generally consists of 17 total syllables, also known as “morae.” Like a haiku, senryu poems often divide their morae over three lines as follows: Five syllables on the first line, seven syllables on the second line, five syllables on the third line.

What is the difference between haiku and senryu?

Senryū tend to be about human foibles while haiku tend to be about nature, and senryū are often cynical or darkly humorous while haiku are more serious. Unlike haiku, senryū do not include a kireji (cutting word), and do not generally include a kigo, or season word.

What is the meaning of senryu?

: a 3-line unrhymed Japanese poem structurally similar to haiku but treating human nature usually in an ironic or satiric vein.