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Sanctuary is a special poem in that it marks my transition from into my post stroke life. Having lost huge chunks of my memory from the years prior to the stroke, my writings vanished like smoke. In some ways traumatic but in other ways a blessing. What was old is now new. I have been born into a new life.

This poem is now the beginning of a new book a poetry, one that I hope may help other stroke victims understand they are not alone. I hope my poetry speaks to their emotions in a way that shines a light into the darkness of that experience only we can fully understand. I also hope it is lucid enough to communicate to anyone and every one.

Writing has been a challenge. After the stroke I was not only barely able to write, I was not able to read. The battle is ongoing, but I have made huge strides. So if you find misspelled words, funny sentence structure and weird punctuation, it is all now a part of who I am. If it makes me laugh, maybe you will too. That scenario is better than the fits of frustration that sometimes make me want to toss the computer out the window.

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This next poem called garden is from my old life. My memory of it is connected to a strong loving bond, so it remains intact and beautiful in my heart and soul. If you have ever had a garden I know you will smell the flowers.

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From The Love Tree

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