Sometimes when I write poetry I stick to the rules (for example, each stanza throughout the poem is abab), but sometimes a poem begs to be written--one that doesn't conform to the rules (the first stanza may be abcb while the next is abab). When this happens (i.e. "If I Were Invisible"), they usually write themselves. They pop into my head almost complete, and I write them as they want to be written. Perhaps this is why I prefer free verse. With free verse I'm not held prisoner by rules and structural standards, but rather "free" to do what I do best: write!

For me, writing is a compilation of words, thoughts, ideas, brought together to form something beautiful. When I read the work of others I think to myself, How does this make me feel? Does it make me laugh? Cry? Grimace? Think? If something touches me in a personal way, then I like it. If I read something I like I don't go back to check whether or not the meter marches to a metronome, or whether the rhyme scheme of abab is consistent throughout. If I like something, I like it "as is."

I know my poems don't always "play by the rules," but I'm no Emily Dickinson. I'm just a writer, and I write what I like. I write things that mean something to me, and hopefully something within these folders will mean something to you, too.

Thanks for reading.