ack

King

To the entire Brooks family: I couldn't possibly address you all individually, as our family is so vast. However, there are those few who have given me inspiration in one form or another, and should definitely have their place here, between the binds of this publication. Inspiration can be derived through communion or controversy. However twisted or daunted, it was this fact that created within me, the passion and reach for ways to demonstrate a more harmonizing line of communication, through poetry. My dad Roger, sisters Rhonda, Ra Chaun and Rhea, my brother Roger and all of my little nieces and nephews, the life I've seen in you has sparked in me the desire to capture my experiences and expressions in a way that may very well immortalize us all. Our bond is special, if not unique, and is the bootstrap that has made all of us stronger throughout the years. you are the reason I write. Even if from a distance, let it be known that I sincerely love you all. Be encouraged as you battle through life, and may you be blessed as you greet all who come around. I must say a special 'thank you' to my brother Roger for coining my penname, "King" while trying to be a smart-ass. Little did he know that I would accept the challenge, and create my own interpretation of the same. As our experiences together are timeless and forever memorable, I've learned to maintain in spite of the unending set backs that plague us all. Your inspiration and encouragement, no matter how dark, has made me extremely aware and receptive to what life has to offer despite its pitfalls. Your philosophies of life remind me of my favorite quote, "After haveing done all to stand, stand therefore! Remaining constant and unmovable." You've truly give me a different spin on those words, and I am ever grateful.
I must take a moment ot acknowledge all of the "Honorable Guests" who have visited my website, "The King's Castle" forever residing @ www.geocities.com/inthekingscastle. You have been a mighty source of inspiration, and are the fulfillment of all I've dreamed. your comments and encouragement are exactly what I've needed to press on and take my

         Publishing volume i of The King's Royal Crown jewels of Poetic Life has been an exciting trek for me. As I love to write and create, the rewards for my efforts comes from observing the inspiration received by those who have been able to identify with, and understand my poetry as it was originally styled. My inspiration, however, has come from many rich sources, each of which deserves it's own due recognition. As time and space are currently unlimited for me, I would like to take some to pay homage where it is truly due. To those special few, I dedicate this time and space to acknowledge all of your encouragement, whether good or bad, for you have truly inspired me.

          First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge my dear mother. For, though our relationship has always been somewhat unorthodox in the past, somehow throughout the years, there has always been a relationship. On many occasions I've proclaimed a love/hate kinship with her, for I believe I honestly couldn't understand her ways. But in finally coming to terms with my own shortcomings, I soon realized how caring and affectionate she really is. I find myself quoting and mimicking her on many occasions, therfore repeating the wisdom I've learned from her, even in sonnet. Her love has always seemed like a stumbling block, but it was in finally falling that I learned to use the self-same words as stepping stones toward accomplishing my goals. I can now walk in a newness of life that would never have been realized had it not been for her weords. In short, "I love you mama!"

          To my Queen Elisabeth. You have always been there for me, when the world seemed bent against me and out of control, you have always been ther to provide a smile and an encouraging word like no other. I treasure every day that we share together, and will carry the memories of each day with me throughout eternity. You have always bee a loyal fan, and a loving daughter. I just love the way you're always ready to say, "I love you daddy." Never have I felt so loved and accepted than when in the arms of my Queen Elisabeth. "I love you mama! you will always be the Queen of my castle!"

Acknowledgments

creativity to another level. The opportunity to share my Crown jewels with you has been extremely rewarding. For this experience, you shall never be forgotten and always treasured withing my royal castle. Though I desire to take my website to higher heights, it was within the first steps of creating The King's Castle that I realized it's true potential. never have I received encouragement and admonition to become better, even greater than from the loyal fans of my website. While still in the beginning stages of the castle, you all gave words of light that illuminated a path worthy of traveling. for this, I am eternally grateful, and have you in the forefront of my mind. Thank you for being an important part of my world.

To all of the "stepping stones" I've encountered in my travels, (you know who you are), I would like to give you a resounding 'thank you' as well. The heartache and pain you've caused has made me laugh, cry, feel despair and unloved, but has brought out only the best in me, forever defining me as an over comer. There has been so much I've wanted, albeit needed to say to each and every on of you, but could not do so due to humble levels of timidity and grief. As I've grown and become more expressive, I can finally say the things that now inspire a once captured soul. Though I accept the change and redirection I've encountered, I cannot forgive or forget you.

I would also like to exted a special thanks to several artists and websites from which I obtained the art embedded within my Crown Jewels. A page dedicated to each artist individually has been added in the salutation section, and can be located on the table of contents as well. Truly fascinating art that someho embodies the poetry I've written throughout the years, and is sure to be found hung tastefully on the wall of true art admirers. Webshots.com, papasart.com and artisanartsonline.com have galleries that provide a vast amount of awe inspiring art. As a pictures worth is a thousand words, it seems only fitting that i share a few of my own. Thank you all for your diligence, vision and creativity!

Finally, to shoe of you I have unintentionally neglected in my acknowledgments, may you find peace and strength in all your endeavors. There is always a brighter light ahead of the tunnel, if you only look for it. Peace and blessings to all!