A collection of 128 form and free verse poems dancing together through a variety of topics, themes and styles. Click "Read more" below to preview a sample, the namesake poem from page 8:

an inkling hope
for years he hoisted heavy pails
along a stony little path where
scrub oaks crowd and brambles tug
at every inch of skin and cloth to
where an inkling hope took root
amid an undergrowth of doubt
for years he struggled up this path
to quench those lightly hidden roots
clearing weeds that else would choke
the life from every oval leaf
until devoid of nutrient his
budding purpose dried away
for years he watched the sapling rise
branching slowly toward the skies
growing broader week by month
dreaming deep through rock and soil
until at last she drank the waters
pressed beneath the sleeping earth
until at last she blossomed forth
throughout her overarching crown
pastel blooms of every kind
a potpourri of fragrant hues
that drew the pollinating bee
from fields two dozen miles off
he watched the flowers go to seed
swelling in their quiet hearts
into a myriad of shapes
poignant fruit of every kind
from grapes to berries pears to figs
hanging to the topmost twig
he saw and marveled at the sight
and half afraid he merely dreamed
this miracle of cultivation
stood beneath a lower branch
reached and plucked one ripe idea
and nursed the tangs of inspiration

This poem reveals much about the collection as a whole and about Thomas as a poet. For instance, in this book one can expect to find poetry that is rich in imagery, metaphor, and imagination. One may also infer from these poems that Thomas takes a visual and allegorical approach to poetry that allows the reader to step away from the everyday world into meditations of heart and mind.
This book contains three appendices. First, the notes, beautifully formatted, where Thomas' thoughts can be found on every poem. Second, an index of first lines, which is a very useful function that most older books of poetry possess. Last is an index of forms, where information is provided about each poetic form represented along with a list of those poems written to it.
The foreword is thoughtfully written by Daniel Barth, long time poet, author, essayist, critic and teacher. Dan has authored a number of books over the years, including "Fast Women Beautiful: Zen Beat Baseball Poems" and "The Day after Hank Williams Birthday: Prose Pieces & Poems." His foreword serves to establish within the reader an open mind for what follows and sets the tone for a walk through a visual landscape of perspectives and spirits.