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Holiday Horror Haiku Contest

Posted on November 1, 2021January 28, 2023 by Richard

So we know how much all of you love horror haiku. This contest just draws a lot of traffic and interest. Did you know that Christmas was once a creepy holiday? It was filled with ghosts and spooks. It didn’t get to be all cheery and happy until well into the 20th century. That being the case,  we don’t mind showing the creepy side of the Holidays. Please keep in mind if you post here your haiku may end up in our digital/print holiday issue (coming in late December 2021). Please remember to title the haiku.

Haiku has to be a traditional form, but we are not going by conventions. Five 7 Five is ok here. Also the Haiku must be Horror. Scarier the better. We want scary, ironic, terrifying, monstrous, but not gross. I don’t like gross poetry, it makes me woozy. Gory is ok, but not graphic, if you can walk that line.

Anyway quick rules:

Haiku
5 7 5 form
Scary, freaky, ironic, not gross
Deadline is December 21, 2021
Post the Haiku in the comments below
If you have any questions the only other answers I have is this example. I wrote it. It’s not fantastic or anything. Also, I’ve screwed up the count many times on these things, so if it is off, you let me know in the comments:

Ex-lover

The transformation
left her naked, shivering
beside the remains

I know it’s not traditional to put a title with it, but I think it’s a nice touch, so feel free.

Write your haiku in the comments below, enter as many times as you like. 1 haiku per comment please.

(Note: you do not have to register or login to our site to leave a haiku or comment. All comments are currently being moderated, so it may take a little while for your poem to appear)

  • Author
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Richard
Richard
Richard Everywriter (pen name) is the founder of EveryWriter and a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry. With degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology, and Education, Richard has dedicated two decades to teaching writing and literature while championing emerging voices through EveryWriter's platform. His work focuses on making literary analysis accessible to readers at all levels while preserving the rich heritage of American literature. Connect with Richard on Twitter  Bluesky Facebook or explore opportunities to share your own work on ourSubmissions page. For monthly insights on writing and publishing, subscribe to our Newsletter.
Richard
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Category: Expired

5 thoughts on “Holiday Horror Haiku Contest”

  1. Genie Nakano says:
    November 5, 2021 at 5:53 pm

    no sugar plum dreams
    this Santa only brings me
    blood curdling nightmares

    Reply
  2. Genie Nakano says:
    November 5, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    ho hoho ho ho
    he shamed, chastised me with his
    sinister laughter.

    Reply
  3. Genie Nakano says:
    November 5, 2021 at 6:47 pm

    freaky x-mas ghost
    knocks on my bedroom window
    erotica bliss

    Reply
  4. Genie Nakano says:
    November 6, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    murder murder kill
    the elves keep singing their song
    Santa slays tonight

    Reply
  5. Scott says:
    November 19, 2021 at 4:43 am

    Carols die mid throat —
    What secrets are buried here
    Smothered in red snow

    Reply

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