Begin at the beginning -- The originating point -- Ground themes -- Unfolding tales -- Continue through the middle -- Pens, pencils and a yellow pad of paper -- The good, the bad and the point -- It's all words and games -- Don't quote me -- Poetic pause -- Eating poetry -- A further look at Haiku -- Poems at the drop of a hat -- Poetry preferences -- Back to the middle -- The mystery of subtraction -- Writing, travelling -- The grande finale -- End at the end -- The problem with poets -- Saying please and thank you -- Writers, realities and blocks -- Read my lips -- The problem with publishers -- Parts of the book -- Book jackets -- Book dedications -- Fan mail -- A voice for the ages -- A plea for kindness.