ABOUT ME

Why I Write

I’ve never believed poetry needs to be complicated. I want people to understand what I’m saying without having to work at it.

Some of my poems begin with a memory. Others come from someone I’ve known, current events, or a feeling that’s hard to put into words. I don’t want to sugarcoat life. There’s plenty of good in it, but there’s hurt and disappointment, too. I try to be honest about both.

Funeral and Memorial Poems

Some of my most widely read poems are about saying goodbye. They include:

I wrote these poems to help families remember someone they love and express what can be hard to say after a loss. Knowing my words have brought comfort at funerals, memorial services, and celebrations of life means a lot to me.

My Books

I’m the author of four poetry collections.

In Bottled Memories: A Journey through Addiction and Early Recovery, I share poems from my battle with addiction and the beginning of my recovery. Some of it isn’t easy to tell.

In Memories for Keeps: New Poems and Old Favorites, I write about healing, hope, faith, family, and the experiences that have shaped my life.

I got started as a published poet with The Memories I Keep and Memories 2 Keep. Across these four collections, I’ve shared much of my life, including the hard years and the things I’m grateful for.

My poetry books are available in print and digital formats through my Amazon author page.

Poetry Songs

I’ve also enjoyed turning some of my poems into poetry songs. Music gives me another way to share the words and feelings behind them.

You can hear these songs in the Poetry Songs section of this website and on my YouTube channel.

The Man Behind the Poems

I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. I’m a Christian and a recovering alcoholic.

Recovery has taught me about forgiveness, humility, and taking life one day at a time. That doesn’t mean I have everything figured out. I’ve struggled with my faith and sometimes felt distant from God or wondered where He was. But I always seem to reconnect with Him.

I’m a proud father of four children. My daughter Cassie has passed away, and I miss her every day. I still carry her with me in my memories and in my writing.

I’m also a proud grandfather to five grandchildren, with two more on the way. My family has given me plenty of laughter, memories, and reasons to be thankful.

I love my family, but we’ve had our share of problems and hurt feelings. I’ve made mistakes, too, and there are things I wish I could change. I don’t want to paint a picture of a perfect life.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy shooting pool, following high school basketball, and cheering for the Michigan Wolverines and Detroit sports teams, especially the Tigers. I also enjoy spending time with my family and taking walks with Sonny.