"In the onrushing of the hours
We reach out to each other
For the succor of meaning
And the solace of love."

Beginning with a look at the poet's family, this collection of poems and stories branches and blooms in several different directions. From world wars and overseas conflict to the search and chase for love in its many forms, these lyrics find their heroes in brave firefighters and soldiers down to the siblings that create laughter. In between the selected poems are stories that go into greater detail about their inspiration and imagery, sometimes with matching photographs of significant places or family members. The poems are not necessarily chronological in nature, but do follow a pattern of starting inside of one family unit and reaching a new unit born of marriage and childbirth after the passing of time and history.

Following a more classical style, poetry purists will fall right in line with the familiar cadences, beautiful choices of words, and accessible subject matter. Despite so much of the poet's journey being shaped on a personal level, the addition of anecdotes and explanations between poems allows readers to become a part of the poet's world and foster a greater understanding of the written pictures he's produced. The poems can be flowery at times, opting for a flourish that leaves an impression, but they so often succeed at this goal that it becomes a mark of the work rather than a potential distraction. This selection completes the difficult balancing act of being technically pleasing while containing cohesive substance that is easy to relate with. As a result, this book becomes a fine new addition to poetry compilations written in an older, more refined style.

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