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Haiku is a traditional form of poetry from Japan. Haiku traditionally consists of three lines: the first line containing five syllables, the second line containing seven syllables, and the third line again containing five syllables. Haiku traditionally was written with the intent of creating a 'zen-like' feeling in its audience, and also traditionally connected the poem to nature in some way. Later writers of haiku in English have attempted to move away, somewhat, from both the nature connection and the necessity of a seventeen-syllable construction, but these factors are both still closely associated with the format.

Many artists have, over the centuries, orated and written at great lengths of the benefits of art. Without attempting to go into an in-depth survey of artists' views on art, a common thread throughout these opinions has been that art connects the artist to the greater reality around them. Far from being an atomistic behaviour, art is something that allows the artist to commune with both others in their community, as well as the greater world surrounding them.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow became prominent in the 1960s by advocating a hierarchy of human needs. At the top of this list he placed the self-actualized individual: an individual who has had all of their other needs met, and who can then care for their own spiritual, moral, and creative needs. From this, we can see that artistic expression is once again connected to the fulfillment of the individual; by expressing themselves creatively, the individual is given an opportunity to become a more actualized individual.

At this point, however, it may be claimed that an argument has been made only for artistic endeavours in general: what is it that makes haiku specifically a good form to work in? There are three main ways in which the pursuit of haiku as an art form can be appreciated.

The first way in which haiku can be appreciated is in its brevity. Many individuals feel an urge for artistic expression; however, due to the circumstances of their life, these individuals do not feel that they have the time to dedicate to proper developing their artistic abilities. Because of their length, however, haiku are unique suited for the busy, modern individual - haiku can be, and have been, written while waiting in line at the grocery store, or while waiting for a traffic light to change colour. Any time that one has an opportunity to take a few spare breaths, they also take the opportunity to create

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