This book is a compilation of years of struggle without proper supervision. I did use the computer and the library, and one poetry class in college, for help. There was information that was above my head and some Poetry Introduction for Dummies. Some of my earliest poems won't appear in my work. Some were rewritten and some didn't survive the many moves over the years. Also, over the years the political chaos has colored what I write. The entrance of my wife, and her sudden, tragic, death changed me and how I write forever. I also cannot ignore, or mitigate, the influence our four-pawed roommates had on my writing.

I was born and raised in California. Except for 4 years in the Navy, one trip to Europe and Africa for 8 weeks, and one trip of 2 weeks to Israel I have spent my whole life here... well, there was that booze laden Mexico cruise in 2012, but never mind. After the Navy, with the help of the GI bill for education and many part-time jobs, I put myself through college. My first year at the city college, I took an elective; poetry. I'm still not sure why. Over the years since then, I have written poetry of many disciplines; rhymed, free verse, haiku, limericks, and a sonnet. Still working the sonnet thing... someday. When I met my wife, the tone of my writing changed. When she died, it changed again for a very long time. When I reached the point where I believed my craft was good enough, in my opinion, I wanted to share what I created with others. So..., what you hold in your hand is the outcome. Enjoy!