The poems in this volume, the majority of which are no longer available in other editions, have been selected from seven previous collections (1971-95). Stern also offers a generous array of new poems under such titles as "Self-Portrait in His Sixties," "The Sounds of Wagner," and "Both of Them Were Sixty-Five," a poem about a meeting between the author's mother and Aaron Copland. There are moving tributes to Larry Levis, "Eggshell," and Allen Ginsberg, "Lilacs for Ginsberg." Throughout, Stern circles and addresses the themes that have always engaged him: love, hope, memory, and faith.

Includes index.