The poems in this book often deal with the existential tensions of the chains of the past and destructive attitudes contrasted with the movements into freedom, peace and rest. With renewing change, we discover not only forgiveness and participation in one's spirit-life, but an opening awareness to the gifts of love and the creation that surrounds us. We can become less fearful as we open up to our future possibilities with God's presence. I consider all the poems as expressions of prayers, apprehensions and yearnings of the heart. The poems speak to topics of contemplation, loss, love, seduction, friendship, struggle and travels. It is my hope that you will find a shared humanity, combining both struggle and renewal, as you prayerfully engage with this work.