The Travels Of Captain Crystal: Poetry For The Entire Family

The ?Travels of Captain Crystal? is a story in rhyme, of mine or any other person's life. The name was adopted when I worked as a naturalist and, among other duties, was teaching a class on rocks. I wanted the children to avoid using the awkward ?Mr. Paul? or ?Mr. Swope? when addressing me. The alias worked for 18 years. My thanks go to my late wife Maxine, who offered comments on my poetry and fiction. She was pleased (I should say surprised) when I received my first check for publication. My gratitude also to my former supervisor, Naturalist Sandy Lyon, who took time from at least 231 other tasks to offer helpful comments on my work as well as assist me in sharpening my computer skills. And, finally, thanks to the staff of Clearwater Nature Center, who endured me practicing my poetry on them. Having said all that, join me in my travels.