The Cascadian Poet

Encompassed in Oregon's West Coast, the poetry written herein embodies life, love, nature, sadness, and joy. This book ignites both the reader's memories of childhood, as well as a natural inclination toward God. Photographs become active windows into the soul of both the poet and reader, generating the corresponding emotions, bringing to life the old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

Encompassed in Oregon's West Coast, the poetry written herein embodies life, love, nature, sadness, and joy. This book ignites both the reader's memories of childhood, as well as a natural inclination toward God. Photographs become active windows into the soul of both the poet and reader, generating the corresponding emotions, bringing to life the old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

About the Author Born Matthew J. Humphrey, Matt Holden was born in Bandon, Oregon, and spent the first eight years of life absorbing elements of the Pacific Ocean between the Port Orford and Cape Blanco areas. At the age of eight, his family moved to Portland, Oregon, where and when he developed an early passion for God and nature. As a young man, he continued his education at Vernard Bible College in Iowa, finding his voice, a sense of purpose, and touring nationally with the school's quartet, "The Evangels." After that fulfilling chap- ter, and to further equip himself and broaden his life experience, he joined the United States Army (1985-1990), stationed for two years in Grossoehme, Germany. Through the Montgomery Bill, he aquired an Associates degree in Music from Clackamas Community College, in Oregon City, Oregon. While raising a family of seven, he earned a Bachelor's degree in French with a Minor in philosophy from Port- land State University (PSU), and in 2001, a degree in Enviromental Science, also from PSU. And with a perfect score in a master's course in Air Quality, he secured his current work with the Metro regional goverment. He now devotes his time and energies to his relationship with God, and poetry. Matthew is the author of Treasure In Heaven (2000): A book about grief and spiritual comfort at the passing of a child, A Winter Night's Journey (2004): A spiritual allegory, and Shepherd Psalms (2006): A CD of 12 songs from the book Treasure In Heaven written and sung by the author.