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My role in society, or any artist or poet's role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all. -John Lennon

On this page, I share my feelings with you. It is the most personal section of my web page because my poetry allows the reader a glimpse into parts of me that he/she may never see otherwise. My view on writing poetry is best expressed by John Keats:

"If Poetry comes not as naturally as the Leaves to a tree it had better not come at all."

Essentially, my poetry writes me more than I write it. I do not believe in forcing self-expression or in revising a poem until it bears little resemblance to the echoes that poured from your soul. My poetry is a part of me and I do not write it for any reason other than to express my feelings or thoughts at that moment in time. I am, however, deeply pleased and eternally grateful if my words have the ability to touch an answering string in someone else's heart. Please do not be afraid to contact me if that string resonates in you.

- Paul Engle