Here is a recent poem I wrote. It is an introduction of sorts.

Self-Portrait
Nestled on the sand between dogs, sandcastles, and sea stars
I spend most of my time.
Tide pools are filled with the life of the ocean
and wrapped in the spirit of the moment.
I lie on the sand, under the blue cloudless sky, and dream.
My dreams take me to faraway lands:
Turkey, Poland, and Italy
These places I have travelled leave their mark
like tattoos on my heart and soul.
Poland is a country of snow, light, and pierogi.
In the station I watch people intently:
A newlywed couple, a priest with an orange suitcase, a young boy.
I engage in conversation with a school mate
regarding American politics and President Bush.
The war in Iraq confuses them. It is hard for me to explain.
Castles fill the skyline shielded by forests.
In Turkey the aromas of the markets and streets entrance me,
bringing me to a new level of existence based on scent alone:
Cinnamon, coriander, and allspice.
I play a new game, backgammon, on a street corner
in front of a rug shop which smells of dust, age, and tea.
I travel to the poet and Sufi master Rumi’s tomb.
It is far more ornate than I expected.
This surprises me.
A cool breeze floats by. The smell of salty air.
Like magic I am transported back to my Pacific Ocean beach.
The waves appear to tell a story, having travelled all over the world.
They have seen things I can only imagine and places I only dream of.
I find solitude on beaches when none can be found elsewhere.
The sand beneath my feet stirs memories
of different walks with different people.
I get nostalgic for the past when I wander alone
among the sand and rocks.
I got to know my dog on a beach, the day I rescued him.
He gets so sandy and waves crash against his body as he “fishes” for rocks.
Things seem easier and more peaceful when I can hear the roar of the waves.
Sitting there, I remember times gone by
and dream of times yet to come.

Wow... Simply beautiful, I feel inspired to write a self portrait as beautiful as that too...

Thank you so much! It was a writing prompt in a poetry class I just took. We were supposed to read 7 self portrait poems, choose one and recreate it with our own voice while keeping the original authors flow. It was a fun idea. It really got the class into writing poetry, which can be daunting to start. Our professor wasn't any good and this was his only good prompt/idea. Thank you again. I hope you do create something!

oh mi gosh, that's beautiful! I probably would of made my friend life and love life seem more beautiful tho just call it poetic license!