I thought my view of the world around me was complete (well... as much as it can be for a 12 year old), until my dad took us to a baseball game at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. I kept asking him who was winning. With his last drop of fatherly patience he asked, "Can't you see the scoreboard?" My answer, "No", led to cat-eye glasses and a realization that not all the leaves on a tree were the same shade of green. Perspective is one of the many factors that influence each of us as "works in progress". "From These Eyes" is a poetry collection that touches base with a variety of emotions and experiences. It was inspired by personal events, friends and family, curiosity, imagination and, even, the sound of two words rubbing together. Deal with and acknowledge aging in poems like, "Blue Book Price" and "Flip Side". Come to terms with imperfections in "Forty-Two Inch Hips" and "Termite Alert". Reverence God in "Praying For a Better Day" and "What Gift Can I Bring?" Travel the roller coaster of love and relationships in "Pretty Lady" and "Costa Rican Bananas." Join in the laughter of "This Too Shall Pass" and "Menopause Melody". Imagine the melody that goes with "Don't Come Knocking" and "Yakin' and Stackin'". I respect the power of words and marvel in their magic. Where else can a human being completely orchestrate his life except on paper? Come share a symphony of words celebrating life. ~ Robyn E. Budge