William Elihu Palmer 
Safe and Sorry 
Poems and Stories Reflecting the Bright Day and the Dark Night That Follows

This book is divided into two sections: poetry and prose. All the contents represent a lifetime of experience, observation, thought, and reflection. I must confess that my view of life has been influenced by many poets and writers. Perhaps my favorite poet, among many others, is the English poet John Keats. One of my favorite writers, again among many others, is Thomas Hardy, another Englishman.

In reflecting upon my own writing, I cannot name any writer who has influenced my style. In my opinion, a writer’s style is the most important feature of his or her writing. A writer’s style reflects not only a view of life but a sensitivity to the emotional thrust of the writing. My aim in the writings in this book is to combine my view of life with a sensitivity to the many emotions that it creates. My wish, dear reader, is that you find at least a suggestion of something that may enrich your experience.