One might be forgiven for thinking, on first reading, that the content of 'A Fountain Stirred' more strongly reflects those darker and sadder aspects of life as we experience it. Such feelings are given prominence in 'Goodbye My Friend', 'I Shall Not Return', and 'Centre of My Universe', whilst 'My Light, My World' was indeed occasioned by the recent passing of my beloved wife Maureen, soulmate of 47 years. But this feeling is tempered by the anticipatory themes of 'Exodus' and 'Awakening' whilst the theme of love, in its various forms, is recorded in such as 'This Sound of Love', 'The Transforming Touch' and 'Palest Fire'. Hope is touched upon in such as 'Expectation', 'Within, Without' and 'The Turning of The Worm'. Finally, of course, are those referring to, or appealing to, children, possibly of all ages. Elephants are a particular passion of mine, albeit mostly sitting on my windowsill at home. I hope that this anthology will appeal to all ages and all tastes. If so, the effort entailed will have been worthwhile.