There is an old,old saying "if you want and crave peace, prepare for war". That has been a recurrent experience of my life. I don't like fighting. But I'm not a Neville Chamberlain. An endless appeaser.

I'm not an unconditional, dreamy pacifist. I like to write and read, I write some poetry, and I offer you a friendly discussion. But... I've also been in a few good bar fights. So pick your poison.

I'm a well meaning,vague idealist, with naive dreams of a kinder, much more trusting cyberspace. This has led me to roam around the cyber jungle, dodging angry bullets and scathing arrows,trying to find a creative haven, where I could enjoy the company of like-minded souls.

I feel we should write and create in a tranquil place, with humor and compassion. Oh, let there be debate, let there be differing views. But let us avoid bitterness, and cynicism, and the caustic, rubbishing reviews I have seen on other writing sites... and let us be gentle with our neighbor. I wrote the story "Piano lessons" to illustrate what happens when somebody's love for a pastime is coldly and systematically destroyed.

In being gentle with others,are we not being gentle with ourselves? And who are we, to assume the mantle of superior judges? Who are we to condemn or vilify the artistic offerings of folk from a totally different background, outlook, ethnic, racial, or religious origin?

If I can wish you one thing in this crazy, crazy, violent and often bewildering life, I wish you... Peace, my friend, Peace...