Nicole Bilyeu •

True Reflections Author's Preface Through my work and study in Dr. Brook’s class, I have a much better understanding of Haiku. I now know how it originated and how brilliant the Japanese tradition is. I have a better appreciation for nature and how inspiring it can be. I also understand the importance of contemporary haiku. The traditional 5-7-5 form is not always needed, it is what the haiku conveys that is important. When I wrote my haiku, I tried to put my feelings into words. I wanted to write haiku that others could read and related to, but I also wanted to express myself. I was inspired by the mood I was in. Some of mmy haiku express my anxiety with graduation and others show my appreciation for sleep! My haiku represent me and the thoughts that go through my mind. I find haiku to be a beautiful art form as well as a way to put myself on paper. I understand that it can be a difficult thing to master and I know with more practice I can only get better. I hope you enjoy my little collection. Keep in mind that what I write is real and an outward expression of my feelings. —Nicole