In this new collection of poetry, author Francis Knoll examines our world of appearances and inevitable death, considering its many contradictions and failings with a will to extract meaningful existence. Featuring colorful imagery that focuses on the natural world, these poems approach the problems and frailty of human life with a sense of destiny and higher purpose. Knoll explores time, mortality, and emotion, looking deeply at the inner attitudes needed to transform or circumvent our difficulties while moving toward a wordless state of being-an inner silence-and a separate spiritual existence. These verses invite you to consider your place in time and delve into the mysteries of life. Flame Flame eternal without substance From matter to aether Holding, writhing, wanting all, Consuming, breathing, but neither Dying nor living and all, all powerful; Yet delicate as the petals of ancient flowers Dug up from graves to be seen now And at this very hour.