Here are the earliest poems ever written by this author. Reservations about their suitability and immaturity impaired a willingness to share them. However, at the end of producing a series of volumes of poetry, "Dawning Oxford" and "Timeless Oxford" needed somewhere to go. They are from those student days when we spend time sorting out our priorities, working late, and reflecting on what lies ahead. In "The Going" consideration of leaving cheap digs in London provided the canvas for melancholy reminiscence. Then there are the fanciful love poems like so many poured forth on poetry.com everyday. Finally, "The View" and "The Open Fire" are the most recent and give some dimension to the collection. The title, "The Thorn With Me" obviously comes from Burns "Ye Banks and Braes" or more correctly "The Banks of Doon." These reflections all have a lingering sting. They can not be remembered without sensing again the twinge of emotion and even embarrassment. Yet here they are heart aches and all.