Preface to Family—Familia, Collected Poems

Family—life’s golden crown. I started writing poetry in April 2004 on the anniversary of my parent’s death. My parents were human, but an absolute joy. They were omnivorous—art, poetry, gardening, music, sculpture, archeology, knitting, weaving, cooking, baking, philosophy, friends, . . . I was never able to keep up.

I have four wonderful, healthy, bright and energetic kids from two stormy marriages. So you could say I’m a great dad and a lousy husband. My ex’s are great—just not with me. My parents-in-law and extended family are great. And, one father-in-law is my most candid and accurate reviewer.

With Spanish, Arawak, French, Irish, African, Jewish (and who knows what else got thrown into the mongrel bag) roots there’s a lot of rich history in the genealogy to draw from. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have long-lived relatives that filled my life with tender kindness.

The poems are not arranged in any particular order.