I was born in 1954 and raised in Illinois, graduating from B-PC High School in 1972. I have one son, Doug, age 25, from a previous marriage. I married again in 1997 and my husband Bill and I will celebrate 11 years of marriage this year. The past two years have been rough for me. I was diagnosed recently with congenital spinal stenosis and degenerative joint and disc disease. I have had two major surgeries since 2006. The first involved a triple lumbar fusion in Jan. 2006 and the 2nd was performed on July 12th, 2007. Three discs were removed from my neck and fused together with a titanium plate, however, I refuse to give up. I am determined to keep active and try to remain positive about the situation, reminding myself, there are others much worse off than myself.
I first began writing poetry at the young age of nine when my aunts discovered some poetry I had composed for my grandparents in a cedar chest that my grandmother kept before she died. I first developed a love for poetry at an even younger age. I recall having my mother read poetry to me when I just 7 years old. I continued composing now and then through my high school years, but it wasn't until I was saved and baptized in 1988, when my true poetic abilities came to life. My work took on a religious tone and I felt God's spirit in me as I penned the words.
Currently, my poetry is being displayed on more than 200 sites across the world. God has blessed my ministry with over 5,200 subscribers from the U.S. and 81 foreign countries. A few musicians have set some of my verses to music.
Very recently, Roger McGuinn, founder, lead singer and guitarist for the world renowned group, "The Bryd" contacted me through my website and he has already placed two of my poems to music. One of songs The Spirit of Christmas can be found on Roger's MySpace.com blog. More recently, he placed my newest poem, "Journey with Jesus" to song and it can be found on my website at www.marilynspoetry.com . The Byrd's were very popular on the charts from 1964 to 1973 where Roger's songs,"Turn, Turn, Turn and Mr. Tambourine Man" hit number 1. The band later broke up and Roger decided to go solo. He now sings folk music and performs concerts across the U.S.
My big goal is write a book composed of the poetry I have written. Many individuals have written to request one. Of this one thing, I can be sure, "It is God who guides my hand and heart!
