Butterfly Wings

These poems were written to inspire, give solace and perhaps leave the reader with a smile.  I believe poetry should not only tug at one's heartstrings when it is describing a sunset, the colors of a rainbow or a brilliant star lit sky but it should also give us the courage to move forward and face whatever obstacles that may come our way.  Several of these poems were written for treasured friends and their loved ones during trying times. My greatest reward was in knowing that it gave them some measure of comfort. I have always had a love of butterflies and a fascination for fairies so I decided to include them also. This book is my way of thanking the Creator for bestowing upon me a world filled with so much wonder and beauty.

Etta E. (Lana) Tugman is also the author of a children's book (Smokey Mountain Bears). She was born in Raleigh County West Virginia.  She has five sisters and three brothers.  When she was nine years old her family moved to Mountain City, Tennessee. She also writes inspirational songs for two brothers who belong to a regional gospel blue grass band called The New Laurel Creek Boys.  She has written a country and western song which was put to music by NCA.  Lana acquired a love of poetry when she was a young girl.  She lives with her husband Tom, who retired from the Air Force in 1995.  She works for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.