My goal with Gathering has been to pursue a diversity of themes through poetry. These themes include the creative process, nature, environmental issues, politics, history, ceremonial milestones (e.g. weddings), and music. These are ideas that I have wanted to express over the years, yet I have finally made the commitment to write about them comprehensively. Once I figured out that poetry, among other forms of writing that I enjoy, was the best route for me, it was just a matter of time to write them. I have basically flown through sixty poems and essays in about six to eight months of constant writing and editing. It has been an exceptionally fulfilling time for me, as writing has demonstrated its remarkable power to assuage the soul. I care deeply about all of the issues that I am exploring here, and I hope that others will care about them, too. Poetry is a unique form of creative expression, in that both the author and readers can be touched equally on an emotional level. I am optimistic that others will enjoy reading these poems as much as I have had writing them.