I have been writing poetry since January 2004. I do not consider myself to possess any true poetic genius. I do however; create based upon my inner most feelings pertaining to the subject or the time. What I write is what my mind has conceived and considers good work. Otherwise, what is the purpose of writing in the first place? I retired from the Navy in 1995. In my years of service, I was witness to many changes and attitudes both positive and negative. My writing often reflects the experiences and opinions formed through these interactions. My poetry does not focus on one topic, but is a collection of various themes such as related to history, nature, or patriotism. I try to write poetry everyone can read and understand. I avoid the use of million dollar words and prefer to leave them to the most intellectual of poets; of whose work I seldom read or understand. If greatness lies in the ability to write poetry that cannot be enjoyed by all, I elect to pass, and will forever remain an insignificant, happy man. In this collection, I decided to add poems by relatives that I believe are worthy of publication. Their name is at the bottom of their poem. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. I hope my poetry is educational and entertaining. I believe what the mind can conceive, the pen can achieve. Therefore, enter as a friend; leave as family.
About the Author: Mac McGovern was born in Dubuque, Iowa and lived there most of his youth. Most of his adult life he served in the US Navy, retiring in 1995. Mac has varied experiences in the US Navy as a Chief Hospital Corpsman, Cardiopulmonary Technologist, Director of the Naval School of the Health Sciences Cardiopulmonary Technique School and of the Electroencephalography Technique School. He developed and implemented "The Competency Based Instructional Systems Program" for use in all technical training programs in all military services. It is still the standard in use today. He served as a Medical Recruiter, Educator, was the first Master Training Specialist in the Navy and is a State of Florida Journeyman Recruiter. In the private sector, he worked as a Home Improvement Executive, and Licensed Florida Roofing Contractor. He has written and published twelve books of poetry and utilizes his extensive knowledge in writing poetry, articles, and blogs . Mac writes from the heart and is influenced somewhat by what he sees, feels, hears, and to a larger extent, what is gleamed from his mind's eye. In May 2011, he invented a new poetic form called "Interchanging Poetry." A narrative combining poetry with discussion, debate, dialog, or description; using poetry to emphasize the narrative. The purpose... to develop interchanging literary devices to enhance poetic discourse. Today, Mac resides in Pensacola, Florida with the inspiration and love of his life, his wife Sandra.