Within this collection of 200-plus pages of poetry and prose, Hanks ponders such universal concepts of life, love, loss, human relationships, spirituality, and more. An underlying emphasis on healthy human relations and an ever-present striving for goodness anchor these poems and other creative reflections within a grounded moral compass. The author began writing at age twenty-three, primarily “connecting with and relating to” other people within his sphere. In recent years, due in large part to the coronavirus and personal retirement, more “thoughtful reflection and dreaming” has yielded an increased output of and dedication to writing, poetry and otherwise. Hanks’ poetry seeks out that which is good and universal: love, compassion, faith, human relations, nature, meditations, and dreams. Though primarily comprised of poetry—with effective use of end rhyme and rich imagery—Hanks has also “sprinkled in” some fictional elements alongside his life experiences.

Celebrating life and love, the author shows his obvious zest for humanity on every page. “Whatever our passion of choice might be,” writes Hanks, “let us move to purposeful, positive action as a means to turn dreams into reality.” This sentiment is put to great effect as the author delivers his passion for writing poetry into the reality of a this present work. Readers will find inspired, heartfelt words and a strong sense of what is beautiful in this world. Of special interest is a section of the book entitled “God for an Interim Period of Time," which shares an essay begun in 2008 (with various iterations over the proceeding years), intended to connect “heart to heart and spirit to spirit.” Addressing planetary damage, oppressive terror, wars, slavery, persecution, and more, this essay is simply arresting in its delivery and passion. The essay alone is worth reading, with the plentiful poems serving as icing on the cake.

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