IN MY LIFETIME
by Craig A. Garner

This book is more than poetry since it captures the hopes and doubts of people from struggling communities. Through my poetry, I provide a poetic glimpse of some of the pains and gains that we've experienced which in my humble opinion led up to this magnificent outcome. The book begins with a dedication to the Obama victory entitled "The Promise Land", continues with a salute to Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy, and moves forth with numerous other dedication pieces such as "Thanks To You Our African Elders", "You Just Don't Know", "Courage", and "Why We Can't Wait".

There are also the normal sprinklings of "controversial" pieces which reflect the sign of our times such as "Noose Threats", Conflicts Casualties", "Demonized" and "Uprooted". And lastly, there are the signature dedication pieces to folks who made history such as the late great King of Pop; Michael Jackson entitled "Ode to Michael". There are also a couple of pieces dedicated to "Fathers" since I normally give praise to Mothers. I felt that as a father, I had to step up and give a shout out to those fathers doing the right thing.

This book also contains a few pieces that I published in my first two books entitled "Rhymes for Reasons I and II". Poems like "Double Stuff Oreo", Would Ja Could Ja", and "Have we Arrived" still resonate today just like they did yesterday.

And lastly, we have again inter-dispersed some quotes from scholars whom I admire and respect

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Craig A. Garner is currently a resident and home owner in Irvington, N.J. He, his wife, and family have resided there for over twenty seven years. He is originally from the Central Ward of Newark N.J. He grew up in the Hayes Homes projects where he had to learn how to protect himself at a very early age since it was a tough neighborhood. He eventually graduated from West Side High school with honors and joined the United States Air Force after working on a few jobs. Upon completing his tour of in the Air Force, he returned home and eventually enrolled in Essex County College where he graduated with an AS in Computer Science. He went on to Kean College (Kean University) and completed his B.S. in Computer Science while working full time at Dun & Bradstreet.

Craig eventually applied for and received an offer from AT&T Bell Labs as a software engineer. Later on he transferred to the AT&T Billing division and stayed there for twenty two years. During that time he also completed his Project Management certification at Stevens Institute of Technology and began writing books of poetry. This culminated with him becoming the Poet Laureate of the township of Irvington. Craig has written six books: Rhymes for Reasons I and II, A Poetic Twist of Fate, A Poetic Quest For Fate, A Poetic Purpose to My Life, and In My Lifetime.

Craig also has twenty years of experience implementing presentations for Career Days and schools and colleges. He also is president of his own technology company, Technology Persuasions, and has been the President of the Park Place Block Association for many years. He has been a member of the Irvington Democratic County Committee since he and his wife have been elected District Leaders for the last fourteen years. And he was nominated the West Ward Chairman for the last six years.

He has also been a member and Vice Chairman of the Irvington Planning board over the last eight years. He is married to Veleria Brown-Garner, has two daughters, two brothers and three sisters

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