There is no connection between being ninety-three years old and being ancient or timeless. The poems in this collection are contemporaryreal, sincere, and thought-provoking. Strauss explores the many degrees of lovefrom young to old, from family to valued friendsin provocative and compassionate verse. Neither is love his only topic. He offers poetic viewpoints on poverty, disability, and war; he recalls traveling the long trail of parenthood from newly born child through to adulthood. The obstacles and joys in life that might be faced by age ninety-three bear examination in Firecracker: Poems at 93.

Fire Cracker


There are many things Id like to be
There are many lives Id like to live
Above all Id like to feel free
To live and love, to forgive
A state of mind haunts my soul
One unusual wish torments my mind
To build my energy so it can explode
I wish I were a firecracker of some kind
Id light the sky with flames of love
Id burn away the troubles of the world
People could look down, around and above
To know sunshine, clouds, see stars unfurl
Id arouse curiosity in children
Id teach them what controlled energy can do
Id teach them how music can enfold them
Id teach them to understand things old and new
Id like to be a firecracker, and make my mark in time
With a loving companion as a backer,
Id explode with love in a life sublime
Though you may not see love, Ill know
As a firecracker, I could make it so.