This is a first book of poems written between 2013 and 2014. The poems are composed in a number of different styles from free verse to more restrictive rhyme schemes. Some of the poems reflect my growing interest in the blues, and some reflect my interest in Buddhist philosophy and the nature of the interdependent self in relation to an ever changing world and being in the moment as a kind of mental refuge. The poems deal with philosophy, love, the war in Vietnam, alienation in an age of increasing mechanization, as well as social and political turbulence. I'd like to think that I've...

This book of poems deals mainly with the collision of Islamic fundamentalism with our liberal western society. The Venus de Milo is a symbol of our cultural roots in humanism, individual freedom, and open inquiry rather than mass conformity based in fear and religious dogma. There are also a number of other poems that deal with subjects separate from the main theme of the book. In addition there are a number of beautiful drawings that accompany the poems.