A Year in Poetry: 108 poems - Tapa blanda

The enclosed poems are on various subjects, most of which are my own personal, religious viewpoints from anything as typical as finding a poem at a garage sale(i.e., prayer by an unknown Confederate soldier), patriotic poems, two poems about dogs(i.e., Ode to Dominique, and O Good Shepherd) with religious crossovers, many of them carry my affinity toward angels, anywhere from a few lines(i.e., Hearken to the Angels), to mere mentionings of angels or other religious topics that I feel strongly about(i.e., Circles from Heaven, which is basically about man and wife, three poems about Christmas, poems either about Jesus or my personal feelings on societal topics, most of which I have tried to overlay religious topics, and mix them with how I feel certain topics of society should be. Then there are also everyday topics(i.e., nature, friendship, old neighbors, soothsayers,etc.) that may or may not have religious overtones, and poems on holidays(i.e., Easter, Memorial Day,the aforementioned Christmas poems,etc.) I tried to include poems also for those people who don't believe in God(i.e., Where do Athiests go?), all poems written with feeling and inspiration were not written to offend anyone, and said author apologozes aforehand if certain viewpoints of said poems, which were written with enjoyment, do offend anyone. The author hopes that if you do have a notion to pick up this book, that you will at least find one poem you do like, as the author tried to put some variety in her poetry.

The author of this book, Shirley J. Schnabele, has written poetry since she was in the sixth grade. Her advanced class teacher, Mrs. Marilyn Walthers, read some of her poetry, and encouraged her to keep writing. Shirley wrote on and off over the years, improving on her poetry as she matured. Shirley has had various jobs over the years. She was an accounting clerk for a year, a receiving clerk for 7 years, a waitress, a cashier, a jewelry attendant, a cookie factory worker, an automotive factory worker, and is currently a licensed massage therapist through the State Medical Board of Ohio. Shirley feels that none of her work experiences are as creatively fulfilling as writing poetry. As time passed, she realized she didn't have any major accomplishments in her life, except having a son, and helping others with the opportunity of massage therapy. Shirley decided to write a poem a week for a year, and subsequently added to it, for a publishable collection of poetry. The author, Shirley, hopes you will enjoy her inspirational works of art, as she feels that the majority of poems are gifts from Heaven. She also realizes that most of the content are her viewpoints, and wishes that all readers will respectfully not be offended by her viewpoints on various subjects, but just to enjoy them as individual works of art.