I wrote the first poems in this book as a way of dealing with the tragic loss of my brother. Whilst we must all face the loss of loved ones in our lives, we seem totally unprepared for this when it happens. The loss of my brother prompted me to think of a spiritual existence which comes from love, with love being a beacon of light in dark, despairing and difficult times. Love that is given and received are our most precious gifts. Through love comes joy. At times we see problems caused throughout the world from a lack of love, empathy and understanding, by those who are unforgiving of others or unloving of themselves. This also prompted my thinking when writing many of these poems.