As spring blooms in different parts of the world, we find ourselves on the cusp of a delightful convergence: the whimsical world of haiku and the mischievous spirit of April Fools' Day (variations of which are celebrated around the globe.) And we’ve prepared 13 haiku for you in this very spirit. May they inspire your prankish temperament this holiday season!
At first glance, these two may seem like unlikely companions, but upon closer inspection, they share a common thread—the art of surprise. In haiku poem structure, the element of surprise is often delivered through the use of kireji, or cutting words. These sharp, punctuating phrases serve to divide the poem's rhythm, signaling a shift in theme or meaning. Much like the unexpected "gotchya!" of an April Fools' prank, kireji keep readers on their toes, inviting them to pause, reflect, and discover the hidden depths within each carefully crafted verse.
In the spirit of the mischievous nature of April Fools' Day, we invite you to enjoy a collection of haiku that capture the essence of this playful holiday. Each poem is a tiny prank waiting to be unfurled, a wink and a nudge to embrace the unexpected and find humor in the mundane.
the toad squeaks today
and the mouse croaks a deep tune
april fools us all
i’m sly as a fox
when i put shoes on backwards
and sugar your soup!
whispers in the wind
on the sunniest spring day
conspire to make rain
i find you charming…
and you possess a pleasant
odor… april fools!
the jesters will play
so will your little brother
laughing all the way
to entomophobes,
“you have a bug in your hair”
counts as april fools
springtime mischief is
right around every corner––
don’t step in dog poo!
you’re walking proudly
but the sticker on your back
says “i’m with stupid”
a challenge, a dream
it’s never as it may seem!
what strange larks lurk here?
don’t forget to play
a trick on all your neighbors:
trip the fire alarm.
though i’m turned around
and my nose is upside down,
i can’t bear to frown.
it’s the only day
you aren’t so surprised to see
squirrels in your lunch box
your mother and i
(and we’re not joking this time)
are getting divorced
As you reflect on the wordplay and surprising twists of these haiku written by the supremely talented Jessica O’Brien, we encourage you to let your own creativity run wild. Pen your own haiku about your dream April Fools' pranks and share them with us. Let's celebrate the art of mischief together, one syllable at a time.
Speaking of mischief and haiku, one cannot help but think of the legendary poet Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828). Known for his humorous and down-to-earth approach, Issa infused his haiku with a sense of playfulness and wit. He found joy in the simple things, celebrating the beauty of everyday life while never taking himself too seriously. Issa's haiku often featured small creatures, such as insects and frogs, imbuing them with personality and charm. His works serve as a reminder that even in the briefest of moments, there is room for laughter and lightheartedness.
Whether you're a seasoned haiku enthusiast or a curious newcomer, thank you for joining us in embracing the whimsical spirit of April Fools' Day. Dive into the works of masters like Kobayashi Issa and discover the joy of playfulness in poetry. And most importantly, don't forget to keep your wits about you—for in the world of haiku and April Foolery, surprises lurk around every corner!
Happy April Fools' Day, and may your haiku be filled with laughter and delight!
