Jim Mervis has worked with filmmakers, musicians and scientists for over 40 years, inspiring them to explore opportunities outside of their normal domains of excellence. He likes to say that his career is guided by the desire to learn something new every day. His writing has been inspired by his relationships with those from whom he learned new ideas and those from whom he learned the meaning of love. I write to hear the timbre of words set side by side to match my inner voice. What I hear my pen convey to my ears as it crawls across the page is so much more satisfying than the scrawl. I like the sound reflected in a listener's eyes. In the poetic performance my persona emerges from a deeper place.