This world’s anguish is no different from the love we insist on holding back.

Death wins nothing here, gnawing wings that amputate–– then spread, lift up, fly.

Quote words that affirm all men and women are your brothers and sisters.

Beauty from another world gave birth to your voice-- sent to rescue scorned hearts from traumatized nights.

Before the thunderous clamor of political debate or war set loose in the world, love insisted on its promise for the possibility of human unity: between men and women, between blacks and whites, northerners and southerners, haves and have-have-nots, self and self.

The music of revelation announces itself to the reader in somber brooding tones or in melodies light as air and one is invited to dance with the most captivating of partners: poetry.

We are living in an era in which billions of people are grappling to promote communication, tolerance, and understanding over the more destructive forces of war, terrorism, and political chaos that have characterized the beginning of the 21st Century.