Look and Listen

Biography

John J. Rigo is a forty-one year resident of McKinney, Texas. He is co-owner of an insurance casuality agency of twenty-seven years. Mr. Rigo started writing poetry in 1985. In 2001, he entered a poem in his first poetry contest in the Adult division of the Collin County Poetry Writing Contest. Mr. Rigo's poem, "Our Dance" won first place. In 2002, in a published book, recognizing newly discovered international poets, Mr. Rigo's work was showcased. In 2004, John was invited to an International Poetry conference (with all expenses paid) in Macedonia (Formerly Czechoslovakia). A selection of his poetry work is included in this countries' poetry publication for that year. After twenty years of poetry writing, Mr. Rigo was encouraged by professors at his local college to have his work published. In 2005, John became a published author with two published poetry books. All profits from these two publications are earmarked to serve the homeless of both Collin and Henderson counties in Texas. Mr. Rigo is currently available to make word presentations of his work for non-profits on a "no-fee basis." Additional information on his charity-centered work can be found on http://www.spiritfilledpoetry.wordpress.com

Inspiration

It is always difficult for me to select "one poem" from my body of work, which consists of approximatedly One Hundred and thirty published poems, between by two books. I would say, that this poem represented a "turning point" in my own life, after a divorce of marriage to my former wife of fourteen years, and the raising of her three children. Hopefully, within it, you will find a message of hope. "Yea, Through The Grace of God, Go I" copyright 2005 by John J. Rigo from "Roses Amidst Thorns" published through Lulu.com I have been where you are, a hell of loneliness and despair. Had I created this place in my past, as you are now, where I was once? I ask myself what pain cross your mind, as this day of many comes to you? Do you hunger? Are you without sleep? The night only brings fear for your life. Are you without anyone who cares, where you are this day? Are you missed? I, too, have been where you are. From ashes of the mind did thou raise me, from a pit of worldly hell. It was not my talents of mind, nor spirit that lead me from this dark world. It was my prayers. You never failed to hear me, when I cried out to you. When I tried to end this life, you spoke gently to me, asking me to be patient, and wait, one more day. One day lead to another. Finally, the sun began to shine again, in your blessings, and your love for me. Thank You Lord, for giving hope to the hopeless, as you gave to me. Thank You Lord, for loving me, when I was without love. Yea Lord, without Your grace, would I now, be lost.