At the heart of his poetry is the passion to inspire hope and to be a voice for everyday people. His unique vision for poetry into the 21st century, combined with a belief in the power of words for creation, reformation and healing brought his influence from grassroots to national success in the 1990s and then international recognition in the new millennium. His work encourages dignity, upholds life and serves as a catalyst for a world of readers and listeners, both in the mainstream and on society's fringes. He inspires many to live in a more loving way and to feel for different justice causes for the first time, to help with personal and social reform in this Global Age.