I carefully selected these poems from a compilation of more than twenty years. They were chosen to provide a variety of themes to satisfy most readers. In addition to the poems on love, it embraces common issues of divorce, health, realities of life, and children.

Some of the poems have been translated from English to Spanish and vice-versa; some capture my West Indian and Hispanic heritage, like Say, Say, which comes from an old West Indian slang, pronounced "Se Se," Meaning gossip. "The Children of the Night" exposes the concern I feel about the growing worldwide problem of homelessness.

The book is intended not only for those who love poetry, but also for all that enjoy reading.

Virginia Cockburn-Ingram, born in Panamá, Central America, has always loved poetry. In Panamá there is a requirement to learn certain poems each year, from grammar through high school.

Virginia felt the poems deep inside as she read and learned them, and began collecting feelings and inspiring words on paper. Her poems convey the spirituality, which is central to her life.

She was born into a large family and now has a large family of her own. She is a friendly person who loves people, especially children. Her leisure time is spent gardening.

The Petals of the Flowers You Gave Me

I have kept the petals of the flowers you gave me
well . . . I guess because it meant so much to me
They did not endure with time; their lives came to
an end so quickly due to the short life flowers have
I will memorialize its petals because they came from you
from your love

And your love, my love, our love will remain like
the petals of these flowers, only unlike the petals
which grew dark and crisp and at any given time will collapse;
our love will grow stronger, brighter, yet softer with time.
Not collapsing when pressured.
I love the petals of these flowers only, because I love You.