When we first considered announcing this contest, we checked several sources, all of which disagree about what qualifies as haiku. However, for the purposes of this contest, we have decided to enforce the seventeen syllable rule, if only to give you a single guideline to follow. The use of a seasonal word, or kigo , in the third line is allowed, but not required. We thought about enforcing this second strict standard, but we could only think of eight seasonal words. We cannot expect you to think of more.
Subject matter is completely open.
Please refer to our general guidelines for more details concerning White Shoe standards. You may submit several haiku in a single email. Each haiku will be judged individually. The Judging Process We will read your haiku. Unfortunately, instant winners will be notified in the same manner as regular winners.