This is the first publication where these poems appear anywhere. This book is over 550 pages long! I put all of myself into this. I know this is the goal of the poet, and probably every poet in the world would say this. I do not keep secrets when I write. This is as close to me as a person can get, probably more is contained here about me than you or anyone could get by knowing me personally. In person I am not as open or confident.Here are some samples of poems that are contained herein:The White JugThe sounds of bloodpulsing through my heartOars splashing in the waternotes played on magical instrumentsThe baby singingin another part of the houseBirds singingin the back yardI melt into the soundsof lifeThe tablet I wantedcries out at the edges of the pageI write silent poems to youFull of sounds water flowingChildren laughingechos of the worldThe white jugfull of amber liquidI did not drinkshattered now in the kitchen sinkTwilightWe rise, perhapsout of solar dust and gasWater molecules, coalesceflesh and blood flow inside usUnique products of evolution,chance, divine miracles, and defianceWe pray, or not, considerprophets and raise our deadWage wars, make peace,pick our way carefully through lifeEach day trying to decide how best to livebefore our nothingness bubbles up...Remarkablethe resilience-fallingin loveagainPeace of MindA little bird singingin the heat and passion of the nightThe Empty Mind Considers ItselfThe empty mind insidemy head looks backAll these years judging andcondemning almost everybody elseFew friends, fewer to love,uncertain there is anyone to trustAnd out in the world, so littlekindness, little show of respectTheir lack of love,their barbarism, violenceTheir lack of connection with Godto show them how to liveUntil one dismal daythe empty mindRealizes it is truly somuch like everyone else...Please enjoy this book.