"One Heartbeat Away" is a compilation of thoughts and emotions transformed into words. It is a mixture of different styles of poetry from free verse to prose. Some poems are simply for humor like: "Once Upon A Time," which was written in an inspired five minute time period. Some are more serious like: "The Storm," which was written during an emotional period at the beginning the author's incarceration. It is a product of Joe the Poet's true feelings as if the the walls were truly closing in on him. There are poems for friends and family like: "A Birthday Star" dedicated to Joe's daughter, and "A Friend Indeed." Love is indeed Joe the Poet's favorite subject, and it shows with the many love poems offered in this book. It is surprising that the title poem "One Heartbeat Away" is one of the shortest, yet what we believe to be one of the most profound. The title is universal and can express many of life's scenarios: one heartbeat away from love; one heartbeat away from freedom; or one heartbeat away from family. "One Heartbeat Away" sums up feelings for most of everyone's life experiences and has helped the author express himself in a productive way. Anyone with a love for poetry and free expression is going to love this book