Poetry to Touch Any Soul -- Author Offers Heartfelt Collection of Musings on Many Subjects

SHREVEPORT, La., March 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Poetry does not always have to be ponderings on pain and politics. Sometimes it can be a pretty piece of pleasantry born from love, much like the poems by Leila Ann Durbin in her new book, A Gift From My Heart to Yours: By an American Poet (now available through AuthorHouse).

Durbin offers a collection of poems that contain verses on a myriad of subjects. Whether children's nursery rhymes, praise for the military or seasonal jubilations, the book holds something to bring a smile to many faces. Durbin says each of her poems reads like a short story and imparts a piece of her heart with every line.

A Gift From My Heart to Yours begins with poems for children. Durbin follows the exploits of Miss Emma Bunny and details the happy little adventures in which she finds herself. Other chapters explore thoughts on family, religion and the happiness and joy of the holidays. Durbin's personal favorite is the chapter on the armed forces, which she says is her ode to those men and women who make daily sacrifices to protect their country. "For Our Troops" champions these nameless heroes:

I think of our troops based overseas,/ my hands together, I pray on my knees./ At times, I know, they feel so alone,/ the many young faces, so far from home./ If you keep the faith, and have high hopes,/ there is no problem, to which you can't cope./ For just a moment, your body feels drained,/ but you do the job, for which you trained./ You keep us safe, at home and away,/ liberating people, along your way./ They say they no longer need, or want us,/ like saying that we had started this stuff.

An eclectic collection that offers something for nearly every reader, A Gift From My Heart to Yours is a pleasant poetic present packaged to make people smile.

Born and raised in Missouri, Durbin now calls Shreveport, La., home. Besides writing inspiring poetry, she has a number of hobbies, including pottery. A Gift From My Heart to Yours is her first book.

AuthorHouse is the world leader in publishing and print-on-demand services. Founded in 1997, AuthorHouse has helped more than 18,500 people worldwide become published authors. For more information, visit www.authorhouse.com.

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