Robert D. Grappel

The poems in this book came to me as gifts, and I am passing them on to you as my gift. As I’ve said in my previous two books, I find it almost impossible to just sit down and write a poem or a song – and I greatly admire those who have this talent. My poems seem to grow organically and just appear when they are ready and I am receptive.

I first started to write poetry while in college, in addition to obtaining graduate degrees in Physics and Computer Science. Attending school in the late 60’s, I naturally became a self-taught folk singer – a hobby that I pursue avidly to this day. My career involved designing radar and communications systems for air-traffic control – combining my scientific bent with my life-long fascination with aviation.

Finally, I’d like to thank all those who provided the inspiration for these poems. They appeared almost fully formed in my consciousness – I had only to write them down before they could vanish into the void where beauty is born. I have done some editing and smoothing of the rough edges, wrapping these gifts in shiny paper and tying them with a silken bow. I hope that you enjoy them.