The haiku machine

Want to write a small form of Japanese poetry but feeling not so wordy or just plain lazy? Well, we have solution for you.

Our haiku machine is filled with lines to help you make a haiku in a snap. The top drawers are filled with 5 syllable phrases and the bottom with 7 syllable phrases. Pull away and you will randomly generate a haiku. We offer the one-of-a-kind service of typing your haiku for you as you make it on a fancy postcard for you to take home and do with it what you will. Maybe send to a poetry-loving friend?

Many thanks to our amazing intern, Taylor Miles, for coming up with the concept, and for headlining at our first annual Haiku Slam! We invited one and all to come in (as we frequently do) and share haikus. Originals and mechanically (by the Haiku machine) generated poems were shared. The audience voted and the winner went home with a trophy, and a lot of tequila in his belly.

Some examples of possible outcomes:

Tater tots loco
are you having an episode?
#feelthebern

With your chubby cheeks
a quiet revolution
plopped in porcelin

Mystical visions
light falls on a street corner
you know what to do

Here are some more photos for your enjoyment and further understanding. (by Michelle Johnsen)