Beyond the Words

Early in my life, the written word took on a special meaning to me. It became my way of describing events, people, places, and most of all, feelings. It was also a way to collect old memories and preserve them with the words.
This book contains a collection of such poems and prose. Some are very light in humor. They may poke a little fun at what is transpiring or even at me. All are based on the real happenings that I have encountered along life's way. Others are more serious. These are the poems that try to capture the feelings surrounding a particular occasion. Some merely just pose questions--questions that may or may not have answers. Nonetheless, all are representative of the dreams and challenges of the writer. As such, some may offer comfort and/or solace, but all will certainly lead the reader to their own understanding.
Capturing the reflections of life is not a simple task. But when the words come from the heart, they are written in a language that all can comprehend. From that which is the most beautiful or joyous, to that which may be the most frightening, we all live by way of our feelings. These are poems about life from the beginnings to its end. Along the way there are a multitude of events that shape our very beings. The poems selected for this book are meant to reflect the feelings we have as we go through life's journey.

Linda J. Miller lives in Anderson, Indiana. After graduating from New Albany High School, she received a bachelor's degree from Anderson University and a master's degree from the University of Louisville. After completing her post-graduate studies at the University of California, she worked many years in hospital administration and health-care consulting. Now retired, she spends much of her time writing, following financial markets, and supporting local charitable endeavors.
Miller's first book, Feline Filosophy: Cat Tales and Purr-spectives, was published in 2014. It consists of small vignettes about life as perceived by a cat. Not just any cat, of course, but a special shelter cat whose views of life are very similar to that of humans. It would seem, when reading the book, that the cat has the same dreams, fears, and desires as her human owner. All proceeds for that book were donated to the local animal shelter.
Her love of writing, and writing poetry in particular, began during her high school years. Linda has been asked to write poems for all sorts of special occasions ... from weddings to funerals. The poetry in this book represents only a selection of her writings. From the funny and absurd to that which is deadly serious (and sometime haunting), she captures the feelings of the moment. Born on a small farm in southern Indiana, these poems take you through a lifetime of challenges and changes.
When asked about her very first poem, she relates a story of how she changed a common children's prayer from "Now I lay me down to seep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take" to a version less frightening to a six year old: "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. But dear Lord, I have to say, please don't take me away." Poetry is not always comforting. Its intentions are just to share.