Amazon Dennis Gelbaum, Author Category:  Poetry ISBN-10:  1419637185 Type: Fiction Copyright: May 1, 2006 ISBN-13: 9781419637186 Poetry by Dennis Gelbaum with illustrations by Christina Qualiana The poetry is very personal and the illustrations are amazing. The author provides insight into the thought process and motivation that went into each poem - where he was, what he was doing, what he was thinking - a very unique way of engaging the reader. A collection of original thoughts on growing up and learning about love, sex, dreams, fantasies, drugs, was and god. Excerpt A Confession I remember the day, clearly. It was not that long ago. They said I had done it, but I knew it was a lie. They were searching for an easy way out. And I was an easy way out. They accused me of murder killing my mother and father my own parents who I loved very much. How could they even think I did it? Sure I was an easy way out but this was absurd. The evidence was less than circumstantial but they were confident of a conviction. How could they even think I did it? They found no weapons they found no bodies. How could they even think I did it? The police needed a conviction the officer needed a promotion the politician needed to win re-election. Me, I needed a good lawyer. How could they even think I did it? The last time I saw my parents was just before the time of the crime. I was sure to give myself an alibi or at least enough time to get one. They will never find the weapons. They will never find the bodies. Me, I always liked the smell of gas, actually, I’m a good conductor of electricity. One could say it runs in the family. How could they even think I did it? "There was a time I was going crazy. Self destructive, and I didn't care who I hurt along the way. No self esteem. I felt like dirt. I felt like I wasn't worthy of living. I felt alone. I felt tricked. I felt cheated. I felt like I could hurt myself. I felt like I could hurt someone. But no matter how bad it was, I went on and I'm not sure why!" As I sit here alone I remember us sitting together the wind blowing through our hair the grains of sand slipping through our fingertips splashes of purple and blue and the reddish hue from the setting sun the cool breeze off the timid water the absence of a crowd. We were comfortable in each other's presence sitting closely holding hands enjoying subtle glances. I wanted to kiss you but I didn’t want to spoil anything so I didn’t. And I could have. And I should have. But I didn’t want to spoil anything so I didn’t! And I could have. And I should have But I didn’t want to spoil anything so I didn’t! "Arthur introduced me to Brenda. She was beautiful, sophisticated, intelligent and sensitive. I fell in love instantly. I felt a connection with her soul the moment I looked into her eyes! We went to the Santa Monica Pier to play games, walk on the beach, eat soft serve ice cream and freshly sliced and fried potato chips. The connection was so strong it was almost unbearable. Brenda made the first move and after watching the sunset over the pacific, we went back to her house. The closeness we felt, the feelings we experienced, the exploration of our bodies and our thoughts..."

My Life In Your Poetry
At first I thought I was reading about my life, not yours. The poetry is far from traditional but the way you write, the way you put things, the way you think is sometimes fascinating, sometimes disturbing but always engaging. I loved the illustrations and your explanations.

Poems That Moved Me
I loved a few of the poems so much I printed them out and put them in frames and hung them on my wall. I sent one to my father and we spoke after not speaking for years. Thank you. Are the illustrations for sale?