The Battle Within is a history of my life. The poems I have written over the years deal with every aspect of my life. The poem entitled, aAn Hour Before Dying, a was written for a dear friend who took his own life. The inspiration I received for the poem, aThe Window, a came from an article I read about a little six-year-old adopted boy. He lived a terrible life. He finally found a home and was adopted out, only to be murdered for insurance money. His only escape was what lay beyond the window. The poems dealing with war come from my stint in the military. One poem, aA Soldieras Story, a was written for my father, who was a Vietnam vet. The poem tells his story of what he endured when he returned home. The poem, aThe Wall, a was written for every Vietnam veteran. I wrote that one after I visited the memorial in Washington, D.C. I also have poems that deal with lifeas humor. aA Race For Timea was written for a friend who raced cars. He tried but always came up short. I have several love poems; the poem, aAn Angelas Eyes, a and many other poems written can be an inspiration to everyone. I have a poem about the September 11th attacks on our great nation; itas called aSeptemberas Sorrow.a It goes to show how freedom really does have a price. My goal in my writing is to help not only myself, but to help others release their feelings and emotions; for without the release there can be no true love. I hope that you enjoy my works, and take the time to look through my eyes.