top of page

Haiku

Gary Easton, member of the British Mycological Society's Fungal Education and Outreach Committee and UK Fungus Day working group, says:

 

"Some time ago I was trying to think of new things to do for UK Fungus Day and Haiku was on my list. These short poems of Japanese origin are traditionally associated with nature and the seasons. Thanks to reading “Kinoko” by Nathaniel Guy, I’ve discovered a lot more mushroom haiku.

 

The poems are constructed from seventeen syllables divided into three lines of five, seven and five syllables and don’t rhyme. Haiku should capture the imagery in just these few words. Some examples from me are below. Have a go and see what you can create!"

​

tarikul-raana-2f-CN6sf79Y-unsplash.jpg
I came home after
a day of mushroom hunting
then the rain began


This was translated by Nathaniel Guy but written by Matsuo Basho (1644 - 1694), the famous poet of the Edo period. It feels timeless to me, particularly after a foray in the dry weather that we've had recently.
 
Anthers black, not white
Dark eyes in bright pink flowers
Red Campion smut
1000011363.jpg
giorgio-trovato-sEcNjzjLdrM-unsplash.jpg
Anticipation.
This year's first fungal foray.
Any surprises?
Can you write a haiku? 
Click here for a guide to writing haiku.

Send us your haiku by email and we will add it to this page.

Email sally@britmycolsoc.info 

Through UK Fungus Day, the British Mycological Society shares the importance of fungi to our lives and aims to inspire others to help preserve our native fungi and improve our scientific knowledge of these unique and remarkable organisms.

BMS logo bright.png

Observing, collecting and growing fungi

The British Mycological Society is a scientific society supporting fungal research and conservation, and highlighting the fundamental importance fungi in the world's ecosystems.

Read our Code of Conduct for the responsible collection of fungi for research and education, and growing fungi at home.

Contact us:

British Mycological Society

Registered charity no. 276503

Email: sally@britmycolsoc.info

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
bottom of page