Tony Bethel

Before Forty After 9/11: Poems from the Heart (Land) Tony Bethel

In his present work Before Forty, After 9/11, Tony chronicles three decades of living into various poems. At times the poems may seem contradictory, but if it is read from the perspective of a person in transition or who is still growing, then it is a powerful analysis of self and the surrounding times of each poems writing. Tony writes to express and share what he is feeling with the world as well as understand his own growth from one writing to the next. The great motivation for releasing the book now is because I have always had a strong feeling of loyalty to my country, family, culture and God. With the events of 9/11 and the content of the poems submitted, I thought this was perfect timing for the books release. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. Although I served my country in the Persian Gulf War it was my great hop that the countries involved would reach some level of tolerance instead of increased hostilities. Maybe one-day words instead of bullets will be used to gain a greater understanding of our problems, as well as a peaceful resolution.