The Manifestation of my Christian upbringing evidences itself and serves to strengthen my faith in God and in my fellowman. "I Do Believe" is not autobiographical but it could not have been written without the life experiences that I have witnessed and endured.

I started writing in 1980 but kept my poems and essays a secret from everyone. In 1984 I contracted spinal meningitis and as a result, suffered severe memory loss, some hearing loss and partial loss of manual dexterity.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio August 8, 1936,
I am of African American descent.
I have been a member of the St. Mark Baptist Church, Cleveland, Ohio since 1947.

At the age of fourteen I went to work outside the home.
I was graduated from John Hay High School Cleveland, Ohio at the age of seventeen. I took courses in Psychology at Cuyahoga Community College and am a graduate of the William F. Bolger Management Academy, United States Postal Service. I have four (4) Children and twelve (12) Grandchildren.

I was in the work force for over thirty (30) years. At retirement, October 3, 1992, I was Branch Manager/Superintendent of Mails and Delivery for the United States Postal Service. I have traveled extensively through Europe; thrice to Germany, Paris, Czechoslovakia, Spain, Amsterdam, Canada, the Virgin Islands and the Continental United States.

I have been writing poems and essays since 1980.
Feeling that my poems were my personal spiritual expressions, I did not allow anyone to read them until 1992 when my Daughter, Jessica, encouraged me to do so.
I was further encouraged when I received and "Editor’s Preference Award of Excellence", on my first entry to a poetry contest.

My poems and essays have appeared in the following Anthologies and Magazines:
American Poetry Annual; American Poetry Anthology 1995; Voices of Many Lands; A Moment In time; Musings; Reflections; Best New Poems of 1994; Poetic Voices of America; Our Captured Moments; Who’s Who in Poetry; Best Poems of the ‘90s; A Muse To Follow; Best Poems Of 1996; Verses; Starburst; America at the Millennium (the best poems and poets of the 20th century); and others.

In 1996 I self-published a book of some of my favorite poems.

In 1999 my fact-based novel, titled ‘Daddy, where are we going?’ was published on the World Wide Web, through the international online library called 1st books and is now available in paperback at Barnes and Noble and all Borders Book Stores.

Awards: "Editor’s Preference Award of Excellence" for "Free to be me!" & "Prejudice;

"Editor’s Choice Awards" for:

"Why me Lord",

"I want to be selfish now!"

"Reminiscence" and "The

Sprinter"

"Amnesiac"

Memberships include: National Author’s Registry; Distinguished Member, International Society of Poets; International Society of Author’s and Artists; National Writers Assoc.; The Poet’s Guild;

My goal is to publish short stories for teenagers
and preteens. I feel that our young black children
and indeed all children, need guidance and

encouragement from an inspirational point of view
that gives hope, self-confidence and a sense of pride
in who they are.

The rearing of my four Children and the very close relationship that I share with my twelve Grandchildren,

(I have legal guardianship of my two eldest Grandchildren), has afforded me the privilege of being totally involved in the lives, loves, joys, problems disappointments and accomplishments of the present day teen and young adult.

Did you ever retreat from everyone thinking you wanted no one near? Did you ever secretly cry out for help knowing no one could hear?
Did you ever reach out for affection not expecting it at all?
Did you ever refuse an offer of help thinking it would make you feel small?
Did you ever strike an inanimate object then think you were losing your mind?
Did you ever speak and there was no one to listen to share your thoughts and be kind?
Did you ever stroll through the woods alone and enjoy the sound of peace? Did you ever immerse yourself in a throng of people seeking emotional release?
Did you ever turn your face to Heaven and say,
"Why Me Lord?"
Did you ever think, ‘even in his omnipotence, his scope was not that broad’?
Well if you have ever had these thoughts, no matter when or where, Just remember what he said in his word,
He Knows How Much You Can Bear.

Love Thy Neighbor

Wars and rumors of wars; just as the Bible says. Will this world ever see peace in the balance of my days?
Drafted Husbands, Brothers, Fathers and Sons; they’re never quite the same. They’re taught to answer questions with rank, serial number and name.
Constant assassinations, no regard for human life; all kinds of deadly weapons, a gun, a club, a knife.
Why is everyone so angry? Is it in the air we breathe?
Some secret element polluting our brains, making us hate and seethe?
I should like to see love spread throughout the world.
where men would be of one accord and harmony would prevail.
Where war would be read about in molded history books;
where people would respect one another and the heritage they bring.