DR. ALAN ALTANY has B.A. and M.A. degrees in Catholic theology, and a Ph.D. in religious studies (University of Pittsburgh). Before his academic career as a college professor and director of professional faculty development, he worked as a high school and parish religious educator, factory, lawn maintenance and farm worker, hotel clerk, delivery truck driver, editor of a small magazine of poetry ('The Beggar's Bowl'), etc. He continues to teach (Comparative Religions) at a small college in Florida, and to write poetry. He has also written two novels dealing with spiritual quest and Christian mysticism. Now in old age, he hopes this present season of his life is the most creative and original so far as poet, person, and follower of Christ. His writing is done with the always nearby companionship of his golden retriever, Zeke, whose life of love and play reminds Dr. Altany that love and bliss are our purpose and destiny.