I currently reside in Texas where I have

established my home and lead a solitary

life. I am 28-year survivor of HIV which

contracted through a blood transfusion

while serving in the military in 1983,

following an oral surgery procedure. In

my retirement, I have dedicated my time

to fishing, engaging in home improvement

projects, and pursuing my long-standing

passion for writing songs and poems which I

have honed over a period of 35 years. I also

would like to dedicate this book to my older

sister, Alice, who is turning 70 this year.

As an individual imbued with a strong sense of spirit, I believe that all of

us possess an innate potential for compassion, albeit to varying degrees.

Through my poetry, I seek to convey this inherent quality to those who

may not be fully aware of it, but who need gentle reminders that they too

are capable of empathy. I trust that my literary works will bring peace of

mind and awareness to individuals navigating the stresses of our fast-paced,

ephemeral existence, and provide solace by imbuing hope for a better

tomorrow, informed by my personal experiences. Ultimately, my objective

is to leave behind a brief legacy that inspires others to connect with their

humanity and the compassion that resides within them.