John D Smithohn David Smith is an author, poet, pastor, chaplain, entrepreneur, and mentor whose writing explores the places where faith, love, identity, loss, resilience, purpose, and becoming meet.His poetry gives language to experiences often carried in silene, drawing upon lived reflection, spiritual insight, and an abiding interest in the inner journeys that shape who we become. His work moves between lyrical tradition and contemporary free verse, offering readers poetry that witnesses rather than merely explains, and that leaves room for both questioning and discovery.Across poetry, fiction, devotionals, plays, and other literary works, Smith returns to themes of belonging, transformation, legacy, human connection, and the sacred possibilities found within ordinary life.In The Long Way Home: Poetry of Love, Loss, and Return, Smith explores the restless desire to leave, the truths that survive distance, and the difficult grace of learning that returning home is only part of the journey. Sometimes the greater transformation is learning how to remain. Read More Read Less