couldn’t see God in ordinary things

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.

‘The Daily Show’ host Trevor Noah on the comedy of US politics. By Michael Skapinker

five years more progressed
five years more intelligent
five years more knowledge

Joan Eardley at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. By Jackie Wullschlager

and waves paralleled
by restless children who twist
fidget and grow up

Joan Eardley at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. By Jackie Wullschlager

A crusty white wave
streaks across a stony shore
leaving blots and drips

Walter Swinburn, jockey, 1961-2016. By Emma Jacobs

collar bone fractured
several ribs were broken
and a lung punctured

Lionel Blue, rabbi and broadcaster, dies aged 86. By Sue Cameron

someone who couldn’t
see God in ordinary
things like cold custard

For more FT haiku go to www.ft.com/hidden-haiku