Poetry is my link to all of life. It is the sea in my body, the touch of people, even those I dont know, the wonder of place. Each poem is a deeper breath, and I am grateful for it. I love words. They glisten like shattered glass, like glass splinters, they have the power to wound. I steal time from a demanding law practice to write, photograph, tend my family, my garden and four rascally dachshunds. The first time I read Renate Models poems was when we both were on a Riverboat cruise down the Mississippi. I was pleasantly surprised to find such beautiful poetry in such a romantic setting. Renates poetry is beautifully laid out with evocative imagery that reflects on love and loss. Renate is a poet who wants to be understood and as such is approachable. Her poems are musical and yet, not singing. They flow like lilac honey, yet they are also bittersweet like an old photograph. You should read her poetry it is like experiencing an orchid-eyed Zebra. Dave Duggan, Webmaster@lovepoetry.com Renate Models robust imagery and compelling juxtaposition of phrase create a riveting atmosphere, drawing the reader in to share fully in the emotion evoked in each of her poems. Gerard Belliveau, Assistant Chief Librarian for General Research, New York Public Library, (retired)