Universal acceptance and a bigger stick

Hidden in FT articles are haiku. Here are some of the best of the week

Haiku are an ancient form of Japanese poetry that have recently become popular in English. By analysing the articles the Financial Times publishes every day with a computer programme, we have unearthed some accidental but powerful haiku.

The poems follow the form and style of a traditional Japanese haiku — typically a three-line observation about a fleeting moment involving nature with 17 syllables arranged in a 5-7-5 pattern.

A surprising number of these poetic forms are buried inside the hundreds of articles the FT publishes every day, from stories as diverse as the columns of Martin Wolf to the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff and news and reaction to the UK’s vote to leave the EU.

Over the coming weeks we will share these haiku on FT.com and social media. We will also be encouraging readers to share their feedback.

Guest post: Dogs not Barking. By Peter Doyle

Messrs Rees-Mogg Hague
and the Prime Minister all
ironically stoked

The rise of the silver slotter. By Gillian Tett

pinched intensity
seemingly oblivious
to the world around

The winter of culinary content. By Nilanjana Roy

as necessary
and as unavoidable
as chipped crockery

Marc Almond: ‘What have I become?’. By Ludovic Hunter-Tilney

encased in bangles
and studded leather bracelets
eyes outlined with kohl

The Remainers’ role is to act as the loyal opposition. By Martin Wolf

a referendum
is not undemocratic
still less treasonous

Birdwatching with Margaret Atwood. By Anita Sethi