I am one of the few poets who work not only in the written mode of composition but also in a contemporary version of preliterate oral poetry called SOULSPEAK—as well as in a new, revolutionary video form called DREAMSTORIES.

I consider my work in the oral and video area to be pioneering.

Among the recent poetry prizes and honors I have received are:

For my written poetry:

The 1997 State of Florida Individual Artist Fellowship,

Finalist 1994:  Academy of American Poets Walt Whitman Natl. Prize

Finalist  1997: Academy of American Poets Walt Whitman Natl. Prize

For my SOULSPEAK oral poetry:

The 1993 Homer Award for Spoken Poetry,

Tampa Bay Poetry Council 1995 POETICA Hall of Fame Award

For my DREAMSTORY poetry videos:

The 2005 John Ringling Individual Artist Fellowship,

the 2006 State of Florida Individual Artist Fellowship,

the 2006 State of Florida Individual Artist Enhancement award

For my SOULSPEAK HEALING PROGRAMS:

The 2003 Images and Voices of Hope Award,

The 2003 Point of Life Award for Excellence

For my prose:

The 2009-10 Ringling Towers Literary Award for ALICE HICKEY: Between Worlds.

Other: The Ringling 2009 "Ageless Creativity" award for my lifelong contributions to poetry.