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.