vid poet, composing verse from the beginning to the end of his life and throughout its entirety. Although he completed approximately 300 stories for commercial consumption and had a hand in 300 more, he penned over 700 poems-virtually none intended for commercial markets. His first published work beyond his school was the poem "The Sea," featured in a local newspaper. Reportedly, the last words he typed were the well-known couplet "All fled, all done..." borrowed from Viola Garvin. In between these milestones, poetry flowed from him effortlessly.

In his poetry, Howard revealed his authentic self, unfiltered. His verses captured his amazement, curiosity, fears, and revulsion. He was unconcerned with how future readers might perceive him as a writer. This unbridled honesty is perhaps characteristic of any genuine poet-the courage to express one's innermost thoughts.

"The Collected Poetry of Robert E. Howard, Volume 2" is part of a comprehensive three-volume set encompassing all known poetry by Howard, including earlier drafts where they exist. This collection truly represents the ultimate anthology of Robert E. Howard's poetic works.