Lyrical Gemstones II is a collection of short stories, song lyrics, and poetry given to the world by a blessed man to enjoy. The beauty is in the attempt as these words impart passion, dedication, love, and life through a mélange of literature lovingly crafted and painstakingly edited. These are imperfect masterpieces, which, like life, reflect the journey and not the destination, yet also remind us that no gemstone shines without polish.

Charles Bailey is an award-winning poet, author, former student journalist, and lyricist native to Atlanta, Georgia. In 2012, he became a...