Virtual Book Tour:Harry Gilleland

I'm pleased to host poet Harry Gilleland Jr. this week. I've had the pleasure of reading his latest book of poems entitled, "Poetic Musings of an Old Fat Man." His book speaks of simple subjects like getting older, loving, and living in this complex world with a charm and grace developed through his years of experience.

Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. is a 64-year-old southerner. Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, he earned a B.S. and a M.S. in Microbiology from the University of Georgia in Athens. Following three years of service in the U.S. Army as a captain, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, he returned to earn a Ph.D. in Microbiology from UGA in 1973. In July of 1975 he joined the faculty of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. After twenty-nine years of teaching microbiology to medical and graduate students and performing vaccine research, Harry retired in July of 2004. Today Harry lives in Shreveport with his wonderful wife Linda and their Corgi, Rusty. Harry enjoys being able to engage in his passion for writing full-time.

Harry has previously published three books of his personal poetry: Poetry For The Common Man: Storoems and Poems (2003, ISBN 1411600649), Gilleland Poetry: Storoems and Poems (2005, ISBN 1411629272), and Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man (2008, ISBN 978-1-4357-1242-3). In addition, Harry has published two books of prose, a tale of fantasy entitled Bob the Dragon Slayer (2005, ISBN 1411633156) and a contemporary romance story entitled White Lightning Road (2006, ISBN 978-1-4116-8693-9).

Harry Gilleland’s poetry has been included in four multi-author print anthologies of poems and short stories, in several poetry e-zines, and on numerous Internet poetry forums, in addition to his own three published collections. His storoems (story-poems) and poems are readily accessible to all readers, including those who do not regularly read poetry. Harry views the world with a poet’s eye.

To see Harry's books: http://www.lulu.com/harry
To see Harry's book covers and samples of his poetry:
http://www.gillelands.com/poetry/

Here are some wonderful excerpts from his latest book.

THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA

America is many things,
a land filled with contradictions,
a wonderous place where dreams sprout wings....
blocked by poverty's affliction.

.....

Love for equality, freedom
fills each true American heart.
Our founding fathers' great wisdom
made us forever stand apart.

VIPER IN THEIR HOUSE
When speaking about adultery he writes:

There is a viper in their house.
It's managed to stay out of view
after being let loose by the spouse.

.....

Be it husband or wife who is to blame,
these mates never forget the viper's bite.
One must live with anger, the other shame.

Check back in two days for more of this interesting author and his poems.

Special news from Kathy Stemke:

I recently joined the staff of The National Writing for Children Center. I will be writing a monthly article which will feature some great children's books with activities and games that can be used at home or in the classroom. Please take a look. Happy New Year! http://writingforch ildrencenter. com/


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