Linda S MataDr. Linda Mata has complied several collections of creative materials written by herself and other amateur writers. She developed an interest in poetry writing at a very young age and was awarded a certificate for her poem, "Song of the Courageous Pineer," a poem written to commemorate "Pioneer Day," while attending middle school. The author had continued to feel an urge to write, but did not pursue a writing career. Her writing aspirations were revived with her daughter, Christiana's interest in writing poems and short stories, also at a very young age. Christiana has been a recipient of several youth awards for her writings and appeared on local television and in the local newspaper. The author is especially proud to have had the opportunity to present the poem of her late father entitled, "Opportunities." She feels he possessed a remarkable gift that was probably only realized by those closest to him. She is also proud to have written two poems in tribute to American poet, James Langston Hughes, one hundred years after the year of his birth. He is a writer that the author deeply admires. Read More Read Less