J. Elliot Howard (Houston, TX)

“I don't have a preference because I view being Black is general, and African-American as being region specific.  My wonderful black people are everywhere on this planet.  To call myself a Black Man, is a sense of pride to be counted among all of my people everywhere.  To be an African-American is a wonderful honor for what my family has fought and sacrificed for in the United States.  There are Afro-Mexicans, Afro-Puerto Ricans, Afro-Cubans, Liberians, Nigerians, and Ethiopians.  Each titles indicates where you are immediately from, but we are all Black and awesome.”
 
I was born in Findlay, Ohio. At the age of 16, my family moved to Sugar Land, TX. Shortly after moving, I began to write. No matter where I went, my writing followed. I wrote while attending University Of Houston, transferring and graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, graduate school at Bowling Green State University, marriage, fatherhood, and all points in between. Poetry is my snapshot in time because words mean more than pictures to me. They allow me to look, remember, and truly embrace each new experience.
​
I love the city of Houston. Houston is where I met my wife, and where my son was born. Writing has enabled me to express myself thoroughly and creatively. Life is more than "happy love." At times, I have had to say good-bye. Sometimes, I have had to give chase. In other situations, I have had to sit still. Nevertheless, in all of the places I have lived, and moments I have experienced, all are worthwhile.
 
Book Synopsis
 
From a poet-author who is deep in thoughts, sentiments, and experiences comes an emotive and endearing collection of poems that speak of a myriad of themes and topics.  J. Elliot Howard has Rewritten Lives to share the lessons, dreams, hopes, and longings to others who are willing to listen.
 
In this poetry anthology, Howard unleashes his profound emotions through poetic verses.  With the ebb and flow of his words, readers will feel the depths of his psyche and the nadir of his heart.  Penning down these pieces, he conveys the unfathomable zenith of his feelings that range from memories, yearnings, conversations, saying goodbye, moving on, life sessions, new beginnings, reminiscences, dark moments, and more.
 
These poems are Howard’s expressions of what he observes, feels, understands, and accepts of life and love.  They are reminders of years gone by, the people that were, and the sentiments once felt.  This potpourri of lines varies from subject to subject and from one theme to the next, but they all speak of the beautiful colors of life.  In “My Turn Now,” he says, “With each turn of the page of life, through graduation and having a wife tears of joy burn down my cheeks as you have held my hand.” In “Lessons,” he writes, “Our moments are like the sand on the beach. Crystals of memories within reach that in my time of need have formed the rock to meet my every care.”  In “The Final Moment,” he ponders, “Life has its seasons, each season has its moments, and with these moments there are perfect times.”  In “A New Beginning,” he shares, “A newness of life, the coming of a fresh start.  Maybe a needed difference a need for change.”  These and more poignant words are sure to welcome readers as they leaf through the pages of Rewritten Lives.
 
Website: www.rewrittenlives.com