What poetic form is characterized by three lines totaling 17 syllables?

The poetic form characterized by three lines totaling 17 syllables is a haiku. Traditionally, a haiku consists of three lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. This format captures succinct observations of nature or moments in time, emphasizing brevity and vivid imagery. The haiku is rooted in Japanese poetry and has gained popularity worldwide for its ability to convey deep emotion and insight in a concise manner.

In contrast, a sonnet is typically a 14-line poem with specific rhyme schemes and is often focused on themes of love or nature. A limerick consists of five lines with a distinct AABBA rhyme scheme, often humorous in nature. A villanelle is a 19-line poem with a specific structure of five tercets followed by a quatrain and features a pattern of repeated lines. Each of these forms has its unique characteristics that differ significantly from the haiku's structure of three lines and 17 syllables.