I was born in Caldwell County NC in 1944, the last of nine children. My father was a carpenter and a farmer, as was I, until I was nineteen.
My mother was a homemaker and everything she had to be, because we would have been below the poverty line if we had had one back then.

Her mother had been a school teacher and a poet, and so my mother instilled in me the love of literature at an early age.

I began writing poetry when I was twelve. After high school, I enlisted in the Air Force. After 8 years I had my MS in Electrical Engineering
and a commission.

Among other things, I have been a carpenter, farmer, electrical technician, engineer, flight test engineer, weapons developer, hunting guide,
interior decorator, and writer.

Spending time outdoors has always been the passion of my life. When I was growing up hunting and fishing was not just for recreation,
but it helped feed the family. I still enjoy those pursuits, as well as camping, hiking and enjoying time outdoors with our grandchildren.

I have been a hunting guide for 36 years, which has been a great satisfaction and has provided the source for many great friendships.

Of note is my friend, Faye Henry that I met at a hunting camp over 30 years ago. Without her assistance, encouragement, and expertise in publishing,
Lives In Poetry would never have happened. Look closely and you will find her among the pages.

I currently live in Las Cruces NM with my wife Renee. Between the two of us we have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.

I previously wrote outdoor articles for The Albuquerque Journal, but this website is my first publishing experience. I hope you enjoy the poetry I have written over the years but never published.

As you read these lines, please understand that I do not see myself as some great author. As my grandmother, Ella Z. Harris,
wrote in the introduction to her book of poetry, Gems, those years ago, “And if these verses halt remember: Tis eagles soar and free birds fly.
The one whose wings in youth were broken Can never hope to reach the sky."

I also have other poems and articles that are available here on my website that have been written after my published book titled
"Life Ain’t a Dress Rehearsal ...  Lives in Poetry" in 2023.