In the Time of the Present

This new collection of poetry from Maurice Kenny explores identity, honors nature, and celebrates everyday life. Modern life is described, while Native American culture is glimpsed, ghost-like, on the margins. Natural bounty-flowers, fruits-is extolled and welcomed. The simplest things-the arrival of the first blueberries or a field of dandelions-are praised with gratitude. Friendships, letters, love lost and found are all treated with reverence and delicacy. Spirituality as a way of life, respect for nature, sharing with others within an extended family, living in the present-these traditional Native values are represented in Kenny's work. These poems are the essence of a Native American way of life.