2022 Haiku Contest

Originating in Japan, haiku is the shortest form of poetry in the world.
In a short descriptive verse,it captures a moment in the poet’s life or simply expresses the beauty of nature.
What do you see?  What do you hear?  What do you feel?

Challenge yourself to write a haiku in French!

Theme: Voyage

Dates: May 15th to June 5th, 2022

What is a haiku?
 

A haiku is a very brief Japanese poem of 17 total syllables in 3 lines. 

Haiku’s are traditionally nature based and often focus on a seasonal theme. They do not have to rhyme. Juxtaposition (compare or contrast) is an essential element of this form of poetry - for example, by closely connecting two contrasting images, or by comparing unexpected similarities.

How do I submit entries?
 

1. Write up to 3 haikus in an email to:
   afraleighcontest@gmail.com

2. Subject Line: Your Name

3. Haiku must have a title

Examples

Au bout de la route

Au-dessus des dunes

L'océan fait des culbutes

Mes rêves plongent

Découverte

Par tous les chemins

Jusqu'au bout de l'aventure

Poursuivre le vent

Prizes
 

• 1st Prize wins a 1-year AF Membership and a large gift basket *
   
• 2nd Prize wins a 1-year AF Membership and a small gift basket *
   
• 3rd Prize wins a small gift basket *

*  Gift baskets will be customized and include gift cards and reading            material

Rules
 

• Haiku has to be in French

• Must have a title and be composed of 3 lines.  The following order and number of syllables is recommended but not mandatory:

  1. Line one is 5 syllables

  2. Line two is 7 syllables

  3. Line three is 5 syllables

• Up to 3 entries per person. 

• Past contest winners can join the contest.

Meet Our Judges

Marguerite Le Clézio - French Instructor

Mary Roberts - French Instructor

Hélène Crié-Wiesner - Journalist