This book of poetry is intended to offer "hope and inspiration", as refl ected in the Christian faith. It was written by our eldest son, Craig, when he was a teenager. We recently rediscovered it and decided to have it published, so that others can enjoy and be inspired by his creativity. Craig was born on January 17, 1963, in Hagerstown, MD. In 1972, our family moved to Buckeystown, MD, and to Smithsburg, MD, in 1976. Craig recently moved to Hagerstown, MD. He was always very artistic and creative, not only in his writings, but also, in his artwork and in other projects that he undertook. In his youth, he developed a very beautiful butterfl y and insect collection. He especially admired the Monarch butterfl y, as it is so majestic and colorful in appearance. He was an avid student of insects of all kinds and became very knowledgeable in the fi eld. He now enjoys imparting this knowledge to his neice and nephews. To this day, when we see a Monarch Butterfl y, or a Praying Mantis, we think of Craig. The butterfl y symbolizes transformation to a new life and freedom, as do these poems. THUS, the cover of this book shows the Monarch butterfl y, transformed from a caterpillar, to a chrysalis, and fi nally, to a beautiful butterfl y- one of God's amazing creations. The book also shows God's handiwork in the exquisite, scenic photographs taken by Joanie L. Kercheval, Craig's sister in law; & a drawing of Christ's passionate face, done by Craig in his late teens. The cover picture of the butterfl y was painted by Craig's mother, Nancy. Over the years, Craig has had several of his art works published & was the recipient of a variety of awards for his creativity in the arts. SPECIAL THANKS to Joanie for contributing her wonderful photographs to this book!
About the Author: Craig Kercheval was born January 17, 1963 in Hagerstown, Maryland. He began writing fiction and fantasy stories at an early age. At age 10, in 1973, he bought a "Fantastic Four" Marvel comic book at a grocery store, and began writing and drawing his own comic books and creating original characters such as the ""Comic Crusader", "Moth Man", and "Electro-Man". In 1979, he watched the TV movie, "Jesus of Nazareth", and became very interested in Christianity and the teachings of Jesus. Soon after, between 1979-1980, these poems were written. A few years later, Craig got back into writing and drawing his own comic book characters. Although never really taking an interest in organized religion, he continued to believe in the teachings of Jesus as the foundation for civilized living and society. In 1981, he graduated from Smithsburg High School and was chosen as the class' most artistic male student. He is now 46 years old and lives alone in Hagerstown, Maryland.