My mother, Hannah Goldberg Newstein, was my first and lasting inspiration. I believe she knew and loved only one poem, and that was: "Abou Ben Adhem" by Leigh Hunt. I carry the memory of that poem, and my mother's recitation of it, with me always. (See poem below.) Sweetie-pie, my precious Shih Tzu, is my main muse. Her good nature and beauty honey my days. She listens as I write and read my writing aloud, and patiently awaits the sound of the computer being turned off -- that, in her doggie mind, a signal for playtime.

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!) Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, And saw, within the moonlight in his room, Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom, An angel writing in a book of gold: Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, And to the presence in the room he said, "What writest thou?" The vision rais'd its head, And with a look made of all sweet accord, Answer'd, "The names of those who love the Lord." "And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so," Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low, But cheerly still; and said, "I pray thee, then, Write me as one that loves his fellow men." The angel wrote, and vanish'd. The next night It came back again with a great wakening light, And show'd the names whom love of God has blest, And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

  -- Leigh Hunt --