This collection of sixty-five poems has been inspired by the jazz-like characteristics found in the works of Langston Hughes as well as the author’s experiences from eight decades of life, love, loss, and spiritual affirmation. Many of the works display faith and hope in light of the world’s troubles and offer inspiration in lines like, “For I’m gon’ wake up early in the morning and catch a ride on the rising / sun. I want the good Lord to show me what good things he’s done.” Other poems move like a quick blues beat, as in “I Need Love Now.” This poem has a great opening stanza using a bird metaphor to convince his love interest to come and nest while he sings.

There are also a few tributes to people who have passed and/or have been inspirational. One poem about someone named Mrs. Ruby Woods Carter is carried by lines like, “When she lays down, she’s the length of / rivers and when she stands up, she is the / height of mountains.” It is a well-made metaphor to encapsulate how large of an influence this woman has been.

Manning’s poems are easy to understand, and his metaphors are generally well-made. He has collected them from years of writing and was determined to publish them. It is nice to see that one dream is no longer deferred. Like almost any poetry collection, not all pieces in this book stand out, but those that do are extraordinary. Readers who are familiar with the style and appreciate someone who does not shy away from exclaiming his faith will find these poems extremely readable and enjoy the author’s observations.

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