Vengeance Is Mine

Vengeance Is Mine is the story of the Calloway brothers, William and Samuel. As young boys, they idolized their father, who served his country in the Marine Corps. Thomas Calloway was a standout student and football player for the Crimson of Harvard University. He became a distinguished lawyer and married the love of his life. He provided a sturdy foundation for his two boys to follow in his footsteps. William is brilliant like his father, with an I.Q. of 170, while Samuel is hot-tempered like his mom but loyal to a fault. William is the older brother, attending Harvard and studying law just like his father.

Upon graduation from college, Samuel is now old enough to enlist, and the boys do so together. They see plenty of combat, and along the way, they are both changed by the brutality of war. True horror is what one human being can do to another. When their tour of duty is over, William decides he wants to make a difference in the world and forgoes his law practice to submit his application to the FBI. His military background, high I.Q., and law degree make him a great fit for the bureau. Samuel is content to open up an exotic knife shop in his hometown of Warm Springs, Virginia. It doesn’t take William long to realize that red tape and politics get in the way of actual justice. Frustrated, suspended, and near losing his job, he has a talk with Samuel one day about how justice would work in their world. Samuel is reluctant to get involved at first but agrees to keep an eye on a suspect who has eluded the law so far, a suspect William knows is guilty but can’t prove. Samuel follows the suspect and catches him in the act of committing a horrible crime against an innocent child. What follows is one man’s definition of justice.

Venus - A Point of Expression

The monsoon rains come to our desert in the summer, when the temperature is highest. The winds shift to the SE, bringing moisture from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California. The rains come as huge, black, thunder storms over the mountains, driven by vivid lightning and high winds. It also provides a magical drop in temperature. The magnificent odor of the desert after a rain is a rich, organic experience.

After the storm I sit on my patio, in the cool fall of night – watching the shadows changing on the mountains as the sun declines. Recently, after such a storm, the sun is dying in various shades of ocher and vermillion… The crescent moon rises, and the planet Venus soon follows. Venus is a bright diamond in the now black sky. I write in my notebook: Venus is a Bright Point of Expression in the Sky. Thus, a poem is born.

Victims and Perpetrators

Dive into the mischievous world of Victims and Perpetrators: Light Verse Judgement on the Criminally Inclined, where the lines between lawbreakers and law enforcers blur in the most whimsical ways. Through the masterful pen of John Gentry, a humorist poet with a penchant for the peculiar, this collection of poems invites readers on a rollicking journey through the underbelly of society, all from the safety of their armchairs.

From the tale of Felony Fred, whose criminal escapades are as endearing as they are egregious, to the saga of a hapless diner in Hard Rock, Idaho, Gentry crafts a universe where crime does indeed pay – in laughter and wit. Each poem is a vignette, a snapshot of life on the other side of the law, told with a twinkle in the eye and a tip of the hat to the absurd.

So, whether you’re a seasoned criminal mastermind looking to take a break from your nefarious activities, or a law-abiding citizen with a love for the lyrical, Victims and Perpetrators offers something for everyone. It’s a reminder that, in the end, we’re all just characters in the grand, ridiculous story of life – some of us just have better alibis than others.

Victoria Ward and the Gilded Age of the Hawaiian Kingdom

1889, Iolani Palace, O‘ahu: The majestic Hawaiian Kingdom teeters on the brink of oblivion. At its heart stands Victoria Ward, a woman of royal Hawaiian blood, bound by her lineage and duty. Armed with vast lands, ancient cultural rituals, and the unwavering loyalty of her villagers, she becomes the beacon of hope for a nation under threat.

But as the sands of time flow, will Victoria’s efforts prove enough to salvage the once-glorious realm she cherishes? Her legacy echoes through generations, influencing descendants who remain fiercely devoted to their roots.

Decades later, an invaluable treasure, left behind by Victoria, is discovered by her kin. Could this discovery be the key to resurrecting the splendor of the Gilded Age of the Hawaiian Kingdom? Join the journey across eras, where history and destiny intertwine, and the past might just shape the future.

Vivian Porcupine

Do you ever wish you had brown hair instead of blond, blue eyes instead of green, or were shorter instead of taller?

Vivian thought she wanted to change something about herself, so she gave her quills to all of her friends. They were all very creative when they put them to use. Some used them for a favorite hobby, some were used in sports, some for cleaning and gardening and others used them for their favorite pastime.

It made Vivian happy that her friends could use the quills, but she also had to make herself feel happy. She changed back to the Vivian that she loved and was most comfortable. She even looked like a porcupine again!

Waifs and Strays

These are short stories presented in poetic form. The cadence of poetry lends air and space to a story and heightens anticipation. There is war, loss, love and redemption in this work.

Accompanying these poems are some gritty short stories with twists as unexpected as a Twilight Zone episode. They are at times stark and unforgiving.

Water and Energy Knowledge for Citizen Education

Water issues have long challenged human civilization, but the 21st century has brought complex new dimensions to this age-old problem. In the wake of 9/11, cybersecurity concerns have come to dominate water infrastructure management and research. The intensifying climate crisis further strains water resources and systems. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic laid bare drinking water quality failings, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities.

As the water sector confronts this evolving landscape of challenges old and new, public access to objective scientific information is imperative. This book bridges that gap, providing citizens, students, educators, and other stakeholders with authoritative coverage of cutting-edge water science, technology, and innovation.

Readers will gain insight into pressing issues like infrastructure cybersecurity, climate change adaptation, contamination and pollution remediation, and equitable provision of clean, safe drinking water. The text outlines state-of-the-art technological and strategic solutions while unpacking complex themes in accessible language. It is essential reading for anyone seeking the facts and practical tools needed to meet the water sector’s unprecedented 21st century tests. From concerned citizens to aspiring scientists, this book empowers all readers with the knowledge to navigate these troubled waters.

We Appreciate You, Mr. Jimmy

For a quarter of a century, Mr. Jimmy has devoted his heart and soul to nurturing students from every walk of life. With unwavering dedication, he’s inspired, supported, and molded their futures. Now, in a heartwarming reunion, his cherished students unite to express their gratitude in a celebration that spans generations. And they all mean every word of their heartfelt ‘thank you.’

We The People

Joanne S. Duffin’s poetry is a captivating fusion of the personal and the universal, delving into the depths of the human experience. Her verses touch upon matters of the heart, offer insightful observations of the world, and fearlessly tackle the pressing issues of our time, both within the United States of America and on a global scale.

As you turn the pages, you’ll find yourself immersed in the wonders and interpretations of the natural world, the joys of family, the treasure of discovered love, the journey of self-discovery, philosophical musings, political commentary, patriotic reflections, and the pursuit of justice. Duffin’s poetry also explores the complexities of friendship, the pain of loss, and the inevitability of death.

This groundbreaking work of fiction will captivate your mind as you traverse space and time alongside the author, who fearlessly delves into the very essence of self-expression. Throughout her poetry, Duffin never loses sight of the profound impact and influence of the past, acknowledging the experiences that have shaped her as both a writer and a human being.

Embark on this transformative literary journey with Joanne S. Duffin, and allow her unique voice to guide you through a landscape of beauty, understanding, and introspection, as her thoughts and words weave a tapestry of the human condition.

We'll Always Rock You Little Love

Embark on a heartwarming journey with Little Love, as each page turns to reveal the simple pleasures of a day filled with parental affection. This tale highlights the significance of savoring fleeting moments and infusing them with warmth and compassion. As Little Love navigates the rhythms of daily life, parents will discover that these precious instances are not only crucial for their child but equally enriching for themselves. It’s a gentle reminder to make every minute with your child count, finding joy and connection in the everyday.

Westieti Visits the Queen

Westieti, a spirited West Highland Terrier, embarks on an exciting adventure with his best friend, Suzie. His greatest wish? To receive a special invitation to visit the Queen of England. While standing in front of Buckingham Palace, something unexpected happens, and Westieti performs a heroic act that captures everyone’s attention. A newspaper reporter captures the moment, and the next morning, Westieti’s brave deed makes front-page news.

Now, the Queen herself is on a mission to find Westieti and Suzie, eager to invite them for breakfast at Buckingham Palace. But will she locate them before they leave for Canada? The Queen has a special gift for Westieti and a royal mission in mind just for him.

What Is Family?

When Bubs wakes up all alone, she feels scared and unsure of what to do. What is Family? is a story of a young deer named Bubs who is searching for her family. Follow along on her adventure to discover the true meaning of family while meeting her friends along the way. In the end, Bubs finds more than she ever imagined.