Hi, everyone. I've written poetry for almost 25 years now (since I was 14). My influences are predominantly rap and heavy metal songs. Eminem and Iron Maiden are amongst my favorites. While most people are driven by the rhythm or melody of a song, I pay lots of attention to the lyrics. I started out writing classical poetry, but when I hit my mid-thirties I began to develop a penchant for writing in more of a rap style. Many of my poems are soulful, raw, no-nonsense reflections of my views and observations, but not all. I have been hesitant about sharing them for well over a decade. It took me a long time to accept what I am: a poet. P.S. The pic is of my cat, Rocky =^.^=