My Picture Book of Words

A book of solemn poems leading out of depression. "When I was about 15 years old I feel asleep and had these bad dreams. At 51, with great challenge and support, I had an awakening. The transformation gave me more joy and comfort than I could have imagined and now I begin each day just thinking how much fun life is for me. But I had to decide if I should reveal these words that I kept hidden away and guarded for so long. These verses, which came to me as a teenager, were the only escape from my mind which misled me when I was so much younger. I felt I needed to share my heart with my wife and children who love me dearly but never quite understood the emotional past which defined and constrained me. It took away so much of my life that I wish should have been time spent with them. I am not a part of these words anymore, but they will always remain a part of me. Re-reading these thoughts now, I realize that I was in a much darker place than I understood... I am better now."