My name is Asif Ali. I am a published poet, with my debut, When Art Touches Life, being very well received by readers. I write about matters which make us human. I feel I have found my identity in poetry. Poetry is in my blood. I have been writing poetry for some twenty years, covering a diverse array of topics and subjects. My poems touch everyone - young, old and in between. My poetry is a very small or tiny segment of my writing. The other form of writing I pursue is essays. Whatever the genre, I look most of all for depth and weight in the subject. I try as best as I can to understand the subject and then bring forth what I learn in my writing, whether it is poetry, essay or speech. I love music and songs. I need songs and music to inspire and move me in every way. I seek the depth and meaning of songs, and the singer's performance and delivery of the song. Certain singers I admire are Eva Cassidy, Carole King and Shakira. Each are unique and talented for their understanding and application of the music they compose and perform. Though Eva Cassidy mainly sang covers, her voice and insight are so unique. Other languages have their own unique facets and musical personalities. Song and music are essentially for the heart and spirit. As a poet, I look at lyrics very closely. I have been praised for my poems by the musicians I have met who have suggested collaborations.