Dear Reader: Welcome to My Life in Metaphor, one man's life experiences and views of life, death, and everything in between. My writing reflects growing up a part of two distinct, rich cultures; training as a scientist and public health professional; work and residence in three foreign countries - Brazil, Jordan and Ecuador; a love of nature; and, great respect for our country, but concern about a decline in our nation's values - the growing hostility and intolerance, technology as a substitute for direct human contact, and excessive violence. I hope you will enjoy my poetry, find it interesting and thought-provoking. Sincerely, Joseph Baldi Acosta