My name is David Ritter, and I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. I earned an Associate in Arts Degree from Mott Community College in 2011. I have four children, three grandchildren, and one grand-dog.

I’m a Christian and a recovering alcoholic. Many of my writings reflect those topics, both the good and the bad. I also like writing about family and current events. I enjoy shooting pool and watching all sports, especially high school basketball. Strangely enough, I like to mow the lawn—but only with my rider. And probably not at all strange, I hate to weed whack. Doesn’t everyone?

Why Rhyme?

Most of my poems rhyme because I like the challenge, and rhyming, for me, is simply more fun than writing free verse. Many of my poems and prose chronicle a lifelong struggle with the ups and downs of a life complicated by an excessive love of liquor. My writings are emotional, usually convey a message of social significance, and describe experiences that most people can relate to. Rather than using complex imagery with flowery words, metaphors, and similes, I try to keep it simple. Some poems have a personal meaning, others are only an idea, and some emerged from activities or challenges from a variety of writing avenues.

Not to say free verse isn’t beautiful, but it’s not for everyone. Some people enjoy both forms of the art. Although free verse is by far the most popular form of poetry to write, I believe the most popular form to read is rhyming poetry.

What Reason?

I’ve started this blog because I want to share my work with the world. I want to share with other writers my rhyming knowledge, gleaned from over 35 years of experience and the self-publication of four poetry books. I want to reintroduce rhyming poetry as a worthy competitor to free verse poetry (favored by most publishers, thereby denying well-deserved recognition to rhyming poets). I want to take a chance on turning my hobby of writing into a business; with over 53,000 followers on my Facebook poetry page (“The Memories I Keep”), I figure it’s worth a shot.

But the most important reason for starting this blog is to create a keepsake for family and friends. A place where they can come visit me and talk to me, even after I’m gone.