Not for lack of trying. [6 syllables here]
But rather be short [5 syllables here]
Than too long and verbose [6 syllables here]
Dave: What we're all trying to point out is that you're mis-counting your syllables per line. It's just the format of this particular kind of poetry.
With haiku, the syllable count is for 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line, and 5 again for the third line. So, "But rather be short" would be correct in either the first or third line of your poem here.
Count your syllables, and you'll do fine! Haiku is fun because that's really the only rule. It never has to rhyme, and it can be about anything!
