The Treasury of American Folk Poetry

Book excerpt: This treasury is a collection of lyric poems and some of my college poetry, which I have written and put together in this simple book. The lyric poems are "songs," which discuss all aspects of the American lifestyle. I have composed music for most of them even though all of it may not be written down. I start with ordinary social gatherings and expand into the joys and lulls of love and romance. I sing to the people of America and anyone else who will listen. I write about some different types of music that personify our culture. I try to give some cheer to the depressed and sing about growing up in Southern California. Sometimes it is just a song in passing about someone I have known or simply care about. This is my contribution to the American heritage. There is much more, and it would please me if you read on and learn about a softer side of life.