Published through Watermark Press under the pen name A Simple Man, he has been published in varous literary anthologies, "Tranquil Rains of Summer", "Autumn Leaves", "America at the Millennium, the best poems and poets of the 20th Century" and the forthcoming "Nature's Echoes". He declined publication in "Fullness of Time" when he first decided to publish his own chapbook. After being a semi-finalist frequently in the International Open Poetry Contest, he was accepted into the International Library of Poetry's "Hall of Fame".  "America at the Millennium" put him in the same book with Poe, Hughes, Maya Angelou, Frost and other greats! Switched publishing companies and blessed the world with an illustrated "Stranded Thoughts" by A Simple Man in May 2002
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
                         ~John Wooden~
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WHO WILL TAKE A CHANCE ON AN                                                             INNOCENT STRANGER?16
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Do you enjoy in depth, thought provoking poetry? "Poetry for Life" that reflects daily thoughts had which may or may not need to be shared with anyone? Whether happy or sad, in love or pain, triumphant or in doubt!  Captivating pictures from the late 1890's, The Harlem Renaissance, and The Great Depression to go along with these "Stranded Thoughts".  Poems, timeless pictures, short stories, and in depth thoughts inspired by "Simple" Men/Women who live life through manual labor, or as economical status would classify as low-income families.

This book is specially dedicated to the "BLUE COLLAR WORKERS"! The hustling underdogs of life living middle class, lower class, and in poverty beside their family God chose them to do battle with against life! Mothers or fathers working day to day with little benefits and no stock options, hoping to simply work and maintain to provide a better platform for the success of their next generation!

Stranded Thoughts includes sincere secret or open thoughts an average person has had when in love, pain, doubt, or joy. Life doesn't always have a happy ending and thoughts had when life "ain't peaches-n-cream" are not always shared because they may or may not need to be whispered to anyone?

Timeless pictures from the late 1890's and early 1900's accompany these poems, short stories, and in-depth thoughts. Touching pictures like Uncle Remus from the "Tar Baby Stories" and modern-day famed black artist Buena Johnson's "My Soul Feels Weary" help relate these stranded thoughts to readers everywhere!
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"STRANDED THOUGHTS"
by A Simple Man
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READY FOR

"PAINS OF AN

INNOCENT

STRANGER" by

RONALD SIMIEN?

DUE SPRING 2004
"PAINS OF AN INNOCENT STRANGER" by Ronald Simien
SPRING 2004
CHAPTERS:

PHASE I-            PRESUMPTION
                                        "DEJA VU"

PHASE II-           FIRST IMPRESION
                                        "LOST WISHES IN THE WIND"

PHASE III-          INTRIGUE
                                        "REGRETS OR UNANSWERED DREAMS"

PHASE IV-          ACCEPTANCE
                                        "NICE TO MEET YOU"
A LETTER TO LAKISHA CHATMAN......K-NICE

When alone and there is no one else around

You listen to stranded thoughts and heart pounds

Occasionally looking up to see what's there

Realizing  that your life is empty and bare

Why does love and affection mean so much

Pressence of a warm smile or softness of a touch

A hug seems vital when you're all alone

Life is so cruel and cold as rock-hard stone

While alone love is never in the atmosphere

Things once neglected or taken for granted seem so dear

Reminiscing lost loves from the past

Wondering why love didn't endure and last

Loneliness magnifies what has been long gone

Listen as the Nightingale sings its' songs

A heart not feeling love is an empty home

A caged "Dove" needing somewhere to roam

R. I. P
Ever sat alone in a four cornered room staring at candles because your lights were cut off? Picture living the life everyone else grew up enjoying , maintaining in the streets. Daily accepting what the hand dealt to you and making the best of it, not truly knowing who or what you want to be, only sensing that there has to be more in store than what you actually see! Options seems limited because peers and the wise elders have foreshadowed that some people are born with no place to go, but you want to see more and be more even though there seems to be only so many ways to make it day to day. Joys had in the streets are memories replayed everyday like a twilight zone you can't escape. You remember all your failures that led to daily triumphs for a temporary come up that felt so good at the time. Then every now and then...reality hits, as mixed emotions stir and you have to release pressure, but there is no gym to work out in, no outdoor court to play ball on, no desire to drink or get high, and absolutely no one to confide in!  Only loud silence or music that elevates whatever mind state  you're in at that time. "YOU MUST GET AWAY" Blue collar workers face this stress everyday while trying to keep their bills paid and family fed. This is what made me write under the pen name "A Simple Man" ! The men and women that somehow prevail, eventhough they may mentally and physically going through hell to tie up loose ends. "Stranded Thoughts" had in privacy that may or may not need to be shared with anyone. How many people have went through these things? For the average Joe that wants more than just the fame and attention of the streets, everyday trying to get over better than next man....gets old in due time. His dreams have yet to be known by his peers because they might not encourage those dreams to conquer his fears, so he continues plotting against a daily nightmare, not understanding that hesitation and fear are the enemies of success. There is the normal route that everyone in his crew has taken, but then there another way to go that may benefit him better in the long run for future generations. Something from deep within must make him make it happen, but then again temporary success seems to be a necessity when hard times hit you with another set back. Ambitiousness has no excuses, the beginning may be hard to understand, but the end will justify all the reasons...which will explain it all! It was said that the greatest mind is still out there lost, searching, taking notes and making a path so no one else may get lost. Following your heart and finding your true character is the goal! Regrets, excuses, reasons, whether rich or poor, athletic or not, could've-would've-should've is going to be a hit song one day because we've all song the hook already. Who else feels this way? Yes, my book is on the internet and in stores at your command or request while my dreams are just starting to come true. Regardless of what others expect, many of you have dreams of your own, but what will you do?   "Anyone can accept life as it seems, talent  can only take you so far, but it takes courage and desire to achieve your dreams" 
DRIVEN
"Placing myself alone on the mercy branch of affection, I will embrace the risk and dance like no one is watching, love like I've never been hurt and write like I'm my own worse critic"
~~Ronald Simien~~
YOU EVER WALKED ALONE IN DARK PLACES?
THOUGHT PROVOKING
POEMS, TOUCHING SHORT STORIES, IN DEPTH THOUGHTS & CAPTIVATING ILLUSTRATIONS
TELL ME
STAND THE RAIN

In the process of searching for love, one must experience some pain

If you want the rainbow, Can you stand the rain?

Sunny days, are not always guaranteed

Storms arise, strength and endurance you will need

You will have good times and bad that will make you oh-so sad

Stand strong on the good times you've had

Obstacles may seem too hard to overcome

Remain steadfast, and two will stand as one

Are you ready for the harsh stormy nights

No parties, clubs, disco lights

Every cloud has a silver lining somewhere within

Hold on, DO NOT give in!

Communication on dark nights unveils a fool moon

The morning sun will be coming very soon

So look forward to the bumpy rides

It will show what is truly bestowed inside

Know matter what happens or the degree of pain

Hold on to love, for you have everything to gain

Never give in, stand and face the rain
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