I am a retired widower currently residing in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. I am the father of four married sons and nine wonderful grandchildren - - three grandsons and six granddaughters. Before retirement my professional career mainly focused on college teaching (political science) and administration. In addition to reading and writing poetry, I find great pleasure in reading other diverse books, observing nature's outdoors, and engaging in music (as listener and participant). I also find great satisfaction in serving as a hospice volunteer.

For me poetry, like music, communicates a common language to people with common experiences. It can be a powerful literary tool articulating ideas and feelings; and is most effective when ideas (of the mind) and feelings (of the inner being) are intertwined. Poetry is often for many a private activity. Some of what I have created falls into that category. But there are times when public sharing can be an appropriate undertaking. Moving from a private to a public posture, a poet's work becomes not only his/her inner interconnection of ideas and feelings; but also a catalyst to help others to articulate their inmost thoughts and emotions.

Hopefully, the poetry found here will serve that purpose.