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At age two, Hood, prompted by his father, recited “The Night Before Christmas” at a community Christmas celebration in the Lyle (one-room) district school, Van Buren County, Michigan. Over the course of years, poetry reading and writing became a favorite avocation. This book contains a few of the poems he has written. Walking on the family farm and in the woodlots created an appreciation of trees and flowers in a wild setting. Forty years as a college professor of sociology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, acquainted him with unrest and criticism in American society. Economic, racial and gender discrimination became familiar critiques of the American Dream of equality and justice for all. Volunteer work with the United Methodist Church, 4-H Youth and community service opportunities throughout life have been important ways to meet people generous with their resources and friendship. He would be happy to hear from you should you care to write to him. His mailing address is P.O. Box 9756, Knoxville, TN 37940.

This book contains poems reflecting on people, places and puzzles encountered over eighty years in America. Scenes include the natural and built environment, humorous and sad puzzles, and observations of people always people.