This book is divided into two sections: poetry and prose. All of the contents represent a lifetime of experience, observation, thought and reflection. I must confess that my view of life has been influenced by many poets and writers. Perhaps my favorite poet, among many others, is the English poet John Keats. One of my favorite writers, again among many others, is Thomas Hardy, another English man. In reflecting upon my own writing, I cannot name any writer who has influenced my style of writing. In my opinion, a writer's style is the most important feature of his or her writing. A writer's style reflects not on y a view of life but a sensitivity to the emotional thrust of the writing. My a1m 1n the writings in this book 1s to combine my view of life with a sensitivity to the many emotions that the v1ew of life creates. My wish, Dear Reader. ·s that you find at least a suggestion of something that may enrich your experience.