At a time in American life when citizens are inundated with highly charged sound bites on social media platforms to choose the best product to purchase, to accept the legitimacy of often diametrically opposed political ideologies without critical analyses, or to evaluate their lives compared with "influencers" who create images of the "good life," this little book is offered as a brief respite for all who seek refuge in personal reflection.

The selection of poems on Life, Love, and Democracy, challenges the reader to confront the dangers to Democracy in the Twenty-First Century both in

America and throughout the world. Drawing upon the visions of individuals from across the centuries, the poems offer numerous paths by which to join

in solidarity with those who choose love over hate. Beautiful in its imagery and verse, it is a reminder that we still retain the ability to overcome the sense of powerlessness which seems to engulf our modern societies through the timeless functioning of Nature. Most importantly, the book re-enforces an understanding that we are on a never-ending journey toward individual and collective freedom.