Written over the past quarter century, this collection of poems reflects the way our understanding of life evolves as we age. Midway through his career as an academician, LELjr began to write the poetry in this collection. The poems reflect his primal love of words and the sounds of language itself. In expressive formats that differ in meter, rhythm, and sound, he captures the emotions and sensations of particular moments, places, and loves in a maturing life. By writing about what has most affected him, the poet allows readers to experience vicariously their own changing awareness as they grow older. Organized into four parts-contemplation, introspection, insight, and emotion-and varying from whimsical to raw, these poems are always deeply felt, revealing more as readers peel back layer after layer of meaning. Out of My Mind: Poems introduces a new and profound poetic voice.