Twenty-three original poems full of vitality and hope offer tributes to people, the arts, the past and the future. Bryan creates the exuberance of song in a range of poetic forms exploring such diverse themes as "Beaded Braids," "The Hurricane," "Grape Pickers," "Granny," "Mama's Bouquet's," "The Storyteller" and "The Artist" ("...He knows / That to have / Anything he loves / He can have it / Fair and forever / If he paints / A picture of it..."). The distinguished African-American poet and artist, influenced by the arts of the world and especially by those in the Caribbean, further honors his subjects by pairing with each poem a work of full-color art reminiscent of a mosaic. Honor Book, 1992 CCBC Coretta Scott King Award Discussion: Illustration. (Ages 8-14)

"Bryan does a magnificent job of conveying an evocative and palpable message to young listeners and readers. Illustrations in his distinctive style depict characteristics of African-American culture combined with flowers, birds, fish, rising suns, and full moons to create a splendid artistic work with wide appeal".--School Library Journal. Full-color.