Iris Sokol

Aspects of Love: a Potpourri of Poems to Stir Your Heart Iris Sokol

The poems in this book werewritten at various times in my life about the people and subjects I love,especially my beloved Sylvan, my husband for over 53 years. Scatteredthroughout the book are poems about different aspects of my love, includingfamily, friends, nature, young love, mature and senior love, and concern forour world. When I was a young teenager, Iwas inspired by Victor Herbert, a famous composer who lived from 1859 to 1924,who wrote, among many other great songs, 'Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life'. It began with 'Ah, sweet mystery of life at last I've found thee. Ah, atlast I know the secret of it all.' Being curious to know the secret, Ifound it in the song's last line, 'For it is love alone that rules foraye.' Incidentally, that song was sung at my wedding. Its sentiment is oneI've believed in through the years. 'Love' is what our world needs,and I do whatever I can to spread it around. My hope is that those who readthis book will alert themselves and others to the importance of love and, bydoing so, make out world a happier, more peaceful place in which to live. With divorce so prevalent today,marriage has almost become a temporary state. It behooves young and olderpeople to choose their mate wisely, only after knowing him or her very well. After marriage, they must take their vows seriously by pouring their heart andsoul into achieving a happy, lasting marriage marked by affection, sharing,cooperation, and compromise. Ideally, one should treat one's mate as one wouldtreat oneself. Perhaps, some of my poems will encourage long- lastingmarriages. I hope that aim will be achieved. Love yourself, others as well, andthe world around us. If so, all of us will savor the fruit of happiness. All proceeds from the sale of thisbook will go to the National Parkinson's Foundation, Inc.