THE POET AND THE ARTIST BILL MANN is credited by many as the inventor and Poet Laureate of American Haiku; mostly by way of his structural departure from traditional haiku attachment to Nature only. Mann teaches us how to haiku about anything. "Three lines of whatever wants out of your head," the poet proclaims from his study located in Northern California. "Don't limit yourself. Anyone can create these little wonders - on a walk; at work; on a bus; by the creek; riding your bike and yes, even in your dreams." This fully original collection of beautifully illustrated (by artist Susanne Sherer) American Haiku, shows with seven separate subjects how healthy and easy it is to express yourself in writing, or by reading aloud. Sometimes whimsical sometimes serious - these innovative morsels are meant to be creatively akin to humming or whistling, with a thought provoking afterglow. Come inside and experience the ageless joy of haiku! SUSANNE SHERER has passionately embraced art for more than 50 years. With an art degree from U.S.C. and further studies at Cal State Northridge and Otis Art Institute, Sherer taught both two and three dimensional art for 15 years in the California public school system. She currently works daily from her studio along the Northern California coast. "Students come alive with enthusiasm for art projects," she summarizes. "Anyone can participate in the creative arts," Sherer reminds us. "The blockages just need to be removed, in favor of elements of color, forms, lines, and textures." Sherer's 'photocosms' greatly enhance the haiku in this volume. The work reveals the artist's abstract expressionism and her playfulness. "Humor," she replied when asked about her teaching methods. "That along with a whip and a chair." Pressed further about creativeness, she was pleasantly blunt: "Use your imagination!"