is a
Japanese form of short
poetry similar to
haiku in construction: three lines with 17 or fewer total
morae (or "
on", often translated as
syllables, but see the article on
onji for distinctions). Senryu tend to be about human foibles while haiku tend to be about nature, and senryu are often cynical or darkly humorous while haiku are more serious. Unlike haiku, senryu do not include a
kireji (cutting word), and do not generally include a
kigo, or
season word.