For over six decades I have been writing. I have been an artist for even longer. Throughout my lifetime, I have encountered various people of all walks of life. Many people have crossed my path who have stayed by my side along the way since childhood. Some have come for only a short while or a brief moment in time and remain with me still in my mind and heart. They left indelible etched memories, impacting my life. Thus, creating deep connections within my life's journey. As a result, for more than fifty of those years, some of them have greatly influenced and inspired me. Hence, creating me to write even more. Some have been tremendous supporters, as they listened to me recite my poetry, encouraging me to publish them. They believe my poetry was helpful to them, compassionate, passionate, empathetic, as it is unique, universal, profound and even thought provoking. With their credence, they gave me the courage to find my inner strength to compile some of my poems into a book. This has been an evolving process and experience. In particular, the poem inside this book entitled, 'Transformation of an Abused Child', took me ten (10) years to write, it's an epic! It was both lethargic and therapeutic. Allowing me to evolve from a metamorphosis state of being into the person I have become today. As Dr. Wayne W. Dyer once said, "Things and people come into our life at the moment we are ready to receive them." Look at me! Here I am. It's taken me another fourteen years. Now, I'm 75 years young, have been on oxygen the last three and a half (31/2) years, and it is now time to accomplish my fifty (50) year old Dream to publish my book of poetry. Don't ever give up on your dreams or yourself. With faith, courage, determination, and perseverance anything can and will happen. Dreams do come true. Perhaps that's a bit of the 'Peter Pan' or inner child in me. Don't ever think you are too old! Continue to believe! Continue to dream! Dream on, there is always more to come, you'll see!