Transitions in lifestyle, institutional knowledge, and technical awareness, deeply affecting who we are, and how we live, have characterized the human melodramatic cycle. Today's events especially, tend to sober new watchers of these sorts of things, but those with trained eyes may see yesterday in even the newest manifestation. "Relics From The Distant Past" a selection of prose and poetry written by Douglas D. Waters, captures glimpses, historically, into developments which have impacted, to a greater or lesser degree, his life. His effort offers insights that may instruct, amuse, or stimulate thinking so that one's "rear-view mirror" continues to help guide his way forward. Maryland born and raised, the author reflects on the ancient to past modern era in his observations. Contemplations on an early life working on Maryland's farms, its seashore (Mosquitoes and Mo' Mosquitoes); commentaries on religious traditions (Was Jesus really instructed in Tibet?), the amusing 1st century circulated tale of "John and the Bedbugs"; momentous events relived(who can forget "The Greatest Game Ever Played"-Colts/Giants{1956}? - Maryland's falls and winters, its historical politics and social conditions, often told from a black youth's perspective, with its impact to gradually encompass sixty-five years, is developed therein. Considerable portions of time spent in what we must call "experimentation" with Christianity became a stimulus for years of research into the human quest to find truth within the religious world. Significant, unusual, or even amusing anecdotes found therein become the fodder for much of the author's writings. He found a world in that history that deserves to be published. Hence, selections like "Marcion", "Iaodabaoth", "The Secret Book of Mark", or that having to do with an alternative history of Pontius Pilate, provide some of the more revealing insights into the existing spiritual phenomena. Of course, family relations have a tremendous impact on the enjoyment of life. Selections were included that pointed to some persons, with the intent of leaving a brief history for those younger. As a youth he too spent many days wandering thru Maryland's pine tree forests, either with friends or alone. Thus, the writings reveal an appreciation for animal life in the wild even though he has spent the last 40 years in suburbia. -The author writes to inform, to encourage, and to entertain.