A former Greenville resident and Greenville High School graduate has published a very personal book of poetry.

Richard Brintel Lowe, a 1998 graduate of GHS and military veteran, authored &#8220The Evolution of Me,” available through the Barnes and Nobles website.

Born and raised in Bradenton,

Fla., Lowe served six years in the U.S. Army following his graduation, and now serves with the U.S. Coast Guard.

He took a circuitous path to his first published work, one that reflects his life experiences.

&#8220I've been writing a little here and there my whole life, but in 2003, after serving in Iraq, I decided to start writing poetry to help me deal with the problems in my life,” Lowe explains.

The seeds of his talent were evident back in his high school days.

&#8220I remember writing a short story for my sister in high school and she won the contest, so I guess that was a sign,” Lowe laughs.

&#8220I guess you never know what you have buried on the inside as far as talent goes. I hope to put everyone who reads my book in my shoes and allow them to look through my eyes.”

He recalls the impact of his high school teachers who are &#8220why I am the man I am today.”

&#8220My two JROTC instructors, Colonel Eustice Shiver and Sergeant Major James Seale, somehow saw something in me no one else did. I was very quiet and shy when I came to high school and needed a good role model in my life,” Lowe says.

During his time at GHS, Lowe became an honor student, played football and was a member of the National Beta Club.

&#8220I really came out of myself during those years,” Lowe recalls.

Since his high school days in Greenville, he has been stationed in Texas, Hawaii and Georgia, Lowe become a combat vet in Iraq at the age of 23. He is the proud dad of Brintelzya, &#8220a beautiful little girl” who will turn four in August.

All those life changes have influenced his writing.

&#8220My words are the footprints of my journey. Follow them closely with your heart and soul,” Lowe says.

A review on the Barnes and Noble website recommends his book &#8220to anyone who loves poetry and anyone who believes that with the right help this world can be a better place.”

Copies of &#8220The Evolution of One” are available at www.bn.com and lists for $15 with a 10 percent discount for B&N members.

For anyone who wants to contact Lowe directly, his email address is evolowe@aol.com.

&#8220I would be happy to hear from some of my friends back in Greenville. I don't get back there as often as I would like, but I have a lot of good memories,” Lowe said.