When the quarantine occurred in 2020, I found myself writing once more and looking back on everything that I had written over the past several years. I was quite shocked when I came to the realization that my first book of poetry had been published ten years prior.

I had been writing now for the past 35 years, and while that doesn’t make me some sort of expert, or authority on explaining emotions, it certainly suggests a sense of dedication to something that was incredibly meaningful to me.

There were times I almost gave it up, and there were even periods of my life where I quit writing altogether, but something always brought me back to it, again and again. I can’t really explain the passion I have for poetry, but I’ve always been grateful for the ability to look back on my experiences and admire all the lessons I have learned along the way.

I guess the one thing I learned that will never change in this journey…

My passion for writing, my desire to continue learning from those around me, and my aspiration to spread empathy to anyone who is willing to listen, and for that opportunity alone, I thank you.