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I was raised in North Toronto in the 1940's - a time with no television, horse drawn bread and milk wagons, outdoor hockey rinks and houses with unlocked doors. The church was a major influence on me as the parish priest would suddenly appear at our house to correct any small misdemeanors. The doctor would make house calls and our community watched out for us. The local butcher and grocery store owner, the local pharmacist were family friends, important parts of our communty. In the summer, we would leave the house with a packed lunch and not return home until the street lights came on. We would swim in local rivers and never heard of anyone who owned a swimming pool. I knew of no one who went South for the winter nor West for skiing trips. I went to sleep every night listening to my mother play the piano and sing war songs. She would recite poetry and slowly, over the years, instilled in me a love of the Arts. I have written many poems and they are found in my book, Bridges, a collection of short stories and poetry. I loved being a kid and have always enjoyed working with young people. For 32 years, I taught high school English and worked as a counsellor. I especially enjoyed working with troubled teenagers. My young adult novel, Sherwood Park, was written for such people. I have two children's stories, Pizza Pete and Billy Bluejay, stories written in rhyme with a child pleasing lilting rhythm. I have recently completed an adult novel, Requiem For Black Shoes, a much more serious book about murder and violation. I have begun a sequel to Sherwood Park in which I am revisiting my very happy childhood days. I continue to love life and give thanks for my blessings every day. My wife, Louise, has been a major influence on my life. She is my proofreader and critic and my best friend. We have three children and five grandchildren. My seven year old granddaughter recently phoned me to recite a poem which she wrote for Remembrance Day. It was beautiful. The beat goes on.
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