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.

New Ukip leader vows to fight ‘middle class’ Labour. By Henry Mance

There absolutely
is a cultural divide
in this country, thanks

Southern rail passengers look set to suffer worst disruption. By Robert Wright

it wants to bully
it doesn’t want to discuss
it wants to impose

Silicon Valley’s techies would make terrible politicians. By Jonathan Margolis

digital divas
with odd to extreme traits have
since become the norm

Stephen Welton: the Business Growth Fund chief’s reading list. By Helen Barrett

Everyone tells me
that I should read business books
but I never do

Cove by Cynan Jones review — a lyrical, sparely written novel. By Lucy Popescu

has lost his paddles
he is injured and in pain
one arm is useless

Tony Blair plans his second coming. By Robert Shrimsley

jetting round the world
greasing up to dictators
and making millions

Cluelessness about class means we miss Brexit lessons. By Joan Williams

working class anger
as beneath our notice
at our peril

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

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024. All rights reserved.
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