As I Fall

In the months leading up to the recession of 2008, I was traveling the country as a financial educator. As I had come to have a fair amount of ‘Evening Time’, I’d frequent the local pubs to hear what people were talking about. I spoke to businessmen, politicians, autoworkers, and everyone else who rolls-up their sleeves to earn a living. I’ve transformed these conversations into poems in an attempt to capture not only the words, but the emotions behind them. ‘As I Fall’ tells a story of a lonely America, unsure of its future and paralyzed by its past. It also speaks of hope, and how people can overcome the odds if they take full advantage of the American Dream.

I've played many roles throughout my life. Like so many others, I began battling demons in my early teens. I've been a drug addict, a victim, a criminal, a liar, a drain on society, rich, poor, a S.O.B., troubled and thankfully - enlightened. Now an educator, and avid volunteer, I examine the various incarnations of darkness we are unfortunate enough to endure at one point or another. My second book of poetry, "As I Fall," is a time capsule of American life set to poetic verse. Each piece delving into what makes us whole -- grief, love, pain and hope.