These are the words that filled my soul and flowed from the tip of the pen that I held tightly. These words form the poems on various topics printed in the pages of this book, Echoes from the Bayou. These poems are about topics ranging from the most mundane to the most ethereal. It is fitting that this book begins with the poem " The Rain" and concludes with " The poem "God's Abiding Love" I must admit, they inspired me and lifted my spirit especially during my recuperation from colon cancer. In the following pages are the expressions of a retired teacher who trying to reinvent herself through Christ Jesus in a world that she vaguely knew. Dispersed between the poems, "The Rain" and "God's Abiding Love" are poems such as: "Life", "In My Despair," "The Masses," and " Remembering Dad." The writing of these poems were very therapeutic in helping to dispel many doubts and fears that often overwhelmed me during trying times in my life. Writing about experiences that once brought me grief now gives me joy because I now know the God of all comfort brought me through may distressful situations. The most devastating was the grief of losing the strongest and most caring person that I knew. That person was my beloved father. Now my conviction to my faith in Jesus Christ, my Savior is stronger than ever, for I truly know he loves unconditionally and will never leave His children alone. Through Him I know I can be all that He say I can be. Therefore I must toil on until my work for Him is done. With His permission granted, I shall be all that He wants me to be. Thank you Lord for giving me the vision to write these poems.