Since as long as I can remember writing has been my escape from insanity. It is my one safe place where all the puzzle pieces fit. From an early age I fell in love with the written word. When I first learned to read I found my lifelong best friend. I can still remember reading poems from Shel Silverstein and being so enthralled that I was just read each and every poem over and over until I had every line of every poem memorized. It didn't take long before I too learned the power was not limited to others words, thoughts, and ideas. Books have always been my inspiration, but I quickly realized I didn't just want to read others words but I wanted to be the words read by others. I wanted to be that voice that inspired others. Writing has always been an innate part of my being and I know this will never change. It is the escape with my pen that has shown me who I am and who I want to be. I hope I can one day inspire others with my passion for the written word just as I was that first time I picked up a book and fell in love. My poems are sometimes dark, often reflecting the shadows in my heart, because I refuse to be dishonest with myself, but there is always light waiting for me when all the lies are gone. I'm truly blessed to have writing as a friend.