Steve E. Masters is a retired aerospace administrator from Compton, California, where he was responsible for ensuring compliance with government contracts and federal regulations. The youngest of seven children, he has always been drawn to creative expression, considering himself a lyricist turned poet. At the turn of the century, he created and hosted “Essential Expressions,” a popular weekly open mic in Los Angeles’ historic Leimert Park that drew standing-room-only crowds. His spoken-word performances have been well-received across Southern California, New York City, Seattle, and Phoenix. A devoted husband, father, and friend, Masters continues to draw inspiration from life’s multifaceted landscapes, finding endless creative fuel in today’s complex world.