The discovery of poetry at an early age allowed me to appreciate life and my connection to the human experience in a way that an awkward teenager would have missed. Reading poetry brought me joy and expanded my awareness while teaching me how thoughts and emotions could be reflected in a brief economy of words. I had entered the inner world of poetic language and was hooked! This book is about a collective of perceptions forged by my particular life experience. My poetry has always been a grounding force for me as well as a semblance of order. It became my sense of purpose and an explanation for what I was going through. It is a part of my structure from which I derive a sense of fulfillment and comfort. I am thankful that so many poets have nourished my heart and mind through their words and hope that something in the spirit of this book of poetry will also resonate and speak to you, the reader.