The Way We Were Raised: Poems and Thoughts About Values

There are many phases to a man's life. What ties them together, documents them, and describes that life's purpose, its ups and downs, its strength and weaknesses and faith? In this case, that man spends his youth on a farm in North Dakota; saddled by shyness, he concentrates on academics. He studies engineering in college and he moves to the city. His timidity follows him, and he longs to be loved. In his loneliness, he writes. He feels the contrast of the urban and rural ways and misses the farm, so he writes. He finally meets someone and falls in love, but she leaves him. In his sorrow, he writes. He finds love again and they create a wonderful family, and he writes from his happiness. He suffers the loss of family members, and he writes about their kindness and courage and goodness. He travels and he writes of the beauty of the world. His job is entirely technical, and so, as a creative outlet, he writes. He has a religious experience or two and although they are indescribable, still he writes. He retires and has more time to think and try to make sense of it all. The older he gets, the more thankful he is for everything-the farm, his parents and brothers and sisters, his wife and children, the world, God. He writes.

The poetry and thoughts in this book were written over many years. They describe a life's journey that is unique, yet, in a way, common to every person. You may not be introspective. You may not have time to write. For what it's worth, here are my words.

Author: Arlen Faris

Publisher: Independently Published

Publication Date: Mar 07, 2022

Number of Pages: 144 pages

Binding: Paperback or Softback

ISBN-10: NA

ISBN-13: 9798424225291