Almost all of my life I have been writing poetry, popular songs, short stories, Op Eds, articles, essays, and a variety of promotional literature. This, above and beyond a host of professional writing including: assessment and evaluation reports, Program Plans, Policies and Procedures, Bylaws, and staff training materials has made writing a key element of my life.

Literature has always been an instrument of enlightenment for me. From Homer to Kurt Vonnegut, I've been an avid reader from an early age. The serial articles written by my grandparents, Victor and Mabel Green, in the Banner Gazette, their own newspaper, also served to stir my creative juices. Sci-fi, Mysteries, and Adventure novels and movies are my favorite fare.

Having lived some 50 years before the turning of the century, I am of the generation that went from black and white tv's to hand-held iphones with direct connections to the Internet. The hard-wiring of my brain has been changed forever. Feeling somewhat disconnected, my creative efforts tend to keep me grounded. Having said this, I would note that my writing reflects an escapist nature, and all too often I find myself lost in the internal workings of my own, mostly uncharted, mind.

Since my retirement, I have moved to New Orleans, LA. I have immersed myself in this creative community, dabbling in art, music, and writing. My poetry has been featured at many venues including the world renown Maple Leaf Bar on Oak St., and the Gold Mine on Dauphine St, in the French Quarter.

Here I offer up some of my thoughts in written form. Enter at your own risk!

        

In 2006 the poem, "A Rainy Day Reality" was published in the Maple Leaf Rag III, Portals Press, New Orleans, LA. (http://www.portalspress.com). In 2010 "Mosquito Dawn" and "Lost Dreams" were published in the Maple Leaf Rag IV, Portals Press). In 2013 My first book was published, "Diabolical Seas", a 240 page collection of poetry, (84 poems written over the previous 9 years),(Portals Press). In 2014 the poems, "Jean Laffite Lane, Bayou Barataria", featured in the Maple Leaf Rag V, (Portals Press).

Finally, if you happen to be in New Orleans, La., I often read poetry and/or perform original music at: Neutral Ground Coffee House, 5110 Danneel St. and at the Maple Leaf Bar on Oak St., both in New Orleans, Louisiana (Uptown). Please contact me if you wish more insider information.