writing is a labor of love and also an act of defiance, a way to light a candle in a gale wind.

The Black writer explains pain to those who inflict it.

Who wants to live with one foot in hell just for the sake of nostalgia Our time is forever now.

The twisted circumstances under which we live is grist for the writing mill, the loving, hating and discovering, finding new handles for old pitchers . . .

A gift - be it a present, a kind word or a job done with care and love - explains itself!... and if receivin' it embarrasses you, it's because your 'thanks box' is warped.

Everybody's got some sin, but if it troubles your heart you're a gentle sinner, just a good soul gone wrong.

We think of poverty as a condition simply meaning a lack of funds, no money, but when one sees fifth, sixth, and seventh generation poor, it is clear that poverty is as complicated as high finance.