Mel's first poem was written in 1997. That poem opened an unknown floodgate of creative energy that expressed love and caring for his family and friends. It expanded to include commentary on current events and to pose questions and answers on our political, spiritual, technical, sexual and playful state of being. Mel has lived a unique life, rich in experience. He has overcome adversity, and reflects joy in his poetry. It covers the carefree independence of a child going skinny-dipping with his brothers in a river, to an infantryman carrying a Browning Automatic Rifle chasing Yamashita's army in retreat in the Philippines. Mel had the honor of guarding General MacArthur in Japan. He was an aerospace worker on a team to put man on the moon.