This page contains background information about the author:

Who, what, when and why ?

My name is Annemarieke van der Laan; friends call me Anne. Born 10th October 1970; so have experienced more than 31 years of existence. These preceding years I enjoyed a lot of good stuff, but also lived through some really bad times: just like anybody else. I'm trying to accept life as it's coming; with ups and downs. It's all about dealing with feelings and understanding the workings of the mind. Mine can differ as black and white. The many conver- sations going on between my brain and my heart gave roots to my poems.

There's a lot going on in my life and much more in my head. Thinking and rethinking these thoughts over and over. I searched for reasons, needing to explain things. It never brought me any solution, but is still keeping me busy. Writing is my way to express the confusion of not understanding. The paper accepts all my worries and insecurities. Still find it hard to surrender my deepest thoughts, but by putting them into rhyme they sound more approachable. Tangible enough to accept their existence, being truth or not. Life is not a choice; the only decision to make is how to live it. Every minute asks for conclusion, even to be undecided is a resolution.

Knowing that, makes me realise the many possibilities life has to offer. It also confronts me with insecurities in consideration of making the best choice. The decision I make may be good for me, but can hurt other people. Being good to others can harm myself. These reflections do influence my actions. Still searching for some balance in existing thoughts and attending sensations. Trying to develop my own considered opinion on matters. Though always willing to adjust my view to different ways of thinking. I'm always learning you know… My first poem dated 1985, since then I wrote many more.