It is my sad duty to inform the member of AD that our friend and fellow poet, Joel Raja Kumar J left this earth gently in his sleep a few weeks ago.

   The loss of any poet deminishes the world, but in Joel's case the loss is miltiplied because he was one of the most generous souls I have ever encountered.  Joel's poetry reflected his passion for life and love bveautifully and eloquently.  He will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him through his work.  He spent uncounted hours writing to my daughter, teaching her about India and the customs of his world.  He was even instramental in her finding a wonderful husband who adores her.  To my daughter he was Papa, her adopted father, and Joel considered her the daughter he never had.  She was his princess.

   I will forward any messages of condolance and well wishes posted to this page to the family.  I kn ow they will treasure them.

Bobbi Duffy