Visited by the Muse

Book excerpt: My 'poetry' was written at times of great happiness and love and at other times of deep sorrow and betrayal. And yet again, it was times of pure self-talk when I had to shore up my own strength and worth. So, each poem is mine and it is read, accompanied by a symphony in my mind. Each poem was written at a different time and with a slightly different 'beat' to the rhyme. Poetry must be read aloud. It may take on different meanings depending on how it is read, by whom it is read and when it is read. Poetry can be almost anything. It simply needs to be in writing with words that express feelings and ideas with style and rhythm. I thought I could do just that. It gave me an opportunity to play around with words and to search for the perfect word. It had to fit with the style and rhythm of the poem. Robert Frost said, "A poem begins as a lump in the throat." It can also begin with joy in your heart and a tear in your eye. The rest does not matter. I think I have broken a lot of rules in the English language, but then, rules are meant to be broken, at least the literary ones. That's what makes it exciting, because I can create my own rules. I can play around and do what I want. To use a pun, I do not have to have any rhyme or reason. That is freedom.