Angels in poetry

"Angels Near and Far"

by Ryan J. Cunningham

All angels, near and far

Being wherever you are

Leading the way in times that are bad

Helping you when you are sad

Giving you strength when feeling weak

Lending a voice when not able to speak

Reaching to you with outstretched arms

Protecting you from any harm

Ryan J. Cunningham, 35, of the Gardnerville Ranchos, had his second book published, "Angels Near and Far," released on Jan. 15. The children's book writer, whose first published book was "The Gray, Gray World," has also had poems published in Daytona Beach Community College's literary magazine, "Reflections," in 1993. "The Gray, Gray World" was self-published in 2001, but "Angels Near and Far," his first book of poetry, was published by Publish America.

"Angels Near and Far" is dedicated to Rachel Lynn French, a former co-worker of Cunningham's who died at age 19 in a car accident in Carson City. Tuesday is the one-year anniversary of her death.

"She was one of those types of people you meet and just instantly like," said Cunningham. "She was outgoing, friendly, loved everybody. Just a fun person to be around."

Included in the book are other tributes, including one to Christopher Reeve, the movie actor who portrayed "Superman" who was paralyzed after a horseback riding accident and died in October 2004. Others he paid tribute to in poetry are Annette Funicello, who is suffering from multiple sclerosis, and Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton, who survived cancer.

"Usually the poems just pop into my head," said Cunningham. "Just whatever I'm thinking about or feeling, the words just come out."

"Angels Near and Far" is available for $12.95 at www.amazon.com or at www.publishamerica.com.