About the Author; 'Michael P. Smeer' !

Words from the author;

I consider myself a Poet. For many perhaps presumptuous but out of all my occupations, a Poet is what I identify myself with most. Moreover, why shouldn't one be straightforward with oneself and others. Feelings are to be nurtured and cherished. Too much is lost in everyday communication and interaction.

In 1963, I was born a Gemini in Amsterdam, The Netherlands of Dutch descent. When I was 16 years old, and had outgrown the obligation of school literature,
I became aware of my true love for the English language. I started to read a number of Poets and Lyricists and began to write my own Poetry. When I was
28 years old writing Poetry had become a true passion. It is my great dream
to be recognised and respected as a true Poet.

I published my first book in 1993 : ' DO YOU THINK...? a collection of lyrics and poems ' (a small edition of special hardbound- as well as a number of paper-
backs). This was a 'private domain' publication.

Late September 1996 my second book, ' SWEETEST RAPTURE, a collection of poems ' was published through

Special Publications.
This publishing company is dedicated to English language Poetry and limits its publications to special, luxury editions.

When I present my work to people, the first question I always hear is: 'Why do you write in English ?' To any Englishman, proud of his linguistic heritage, his culture and nature, this would be like asking a stallion why he runs, superfluous. I guess the only complete answer I could reply with is: 'it's in my nature to write Poetry in the English language'. Ever since I started reading and writing in English, I have been thinking in English, dreaming in English and feeling in English. English is such a beautiful extensive and specific language that for me it is the only natural language to write Poetry in. Let's not discard the classics by William Shakespeare , William Butler Yeats or William Blake , Walt Whitman , Emily Dickinson , e.e.cummings , Bob Dylan or Jewel Kilcher . Or even the King James Bible (The book of Psalms) . To me this is all obligatory literature for anyone interested in English language Poetry...

Michael P. Smeer