Preface Poetry has helped me become a better me, Lisa D. McCraw Newell. By being able to put my thoughts into words, I have been able to bring joy into my life and help others along the way. I have always enjoyed writing, but it has really become more important to me in the last few years. Writing has helped me let go of my past, re-define my future and deal with grief. My pen name, NOLA…P (Nothing Out There Like A…POET) comes from a period of my life when I lived in New Orleans, LA. I loved the city of “NOLA” and my very first email address contained “NOLA” as a tribute to the city. As I began to write more, I thought about using “NOLA” in some way. One day it just struck me, that I could use it to relate to poetry. It is not an exact anagram, but it is close. My nickname within the poetry community has now become NOLA…P. There have been so many wonderful individuals in the last few years that have helped me with writing. There are a few that deserve a special thank you, for believing in me, giving me advice and providing me with continued support of my poetry. Melanie Carter, Iris Orprecio, Delano Johnson and Susan Williams, thank you all for your support. I also want to thank my family and friends for supporting me. To my wonderful, Godly husband, Glenn, thank you for all of your love and encouragement. To my cousin Gayla, thank you for believing in me, always. To my friend Billie, thank you for your friendship. To my brother Duke, you are the kindest and most humble man and I am so proud of you. To my father, I’ve made it to a good place in life. To my mother, thank you for your unconditional love, I will always love you. Inner Child Press has given me a wonderful gift. Thank you William S. Peters, Sr. ‘just bill’ and Janet Caldwell. I never really believed I would ever have my work published in book format. Inner Child Press has given me that opportunity and I am very grateful to share My World Within Words. Lisa D. McCraw Newell

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