The poems in this selection testify to Osundare's belief in "total" poetry, that is poetry enhanced by song, drum and choreography. These are poems to be read and heard, fusing vibrant lyricism with social relevance. The author has won numerous awards for his poetry including the Commonwealth Poetry Prize 1986, the Cadbury Poetry Prize 1989 and in 1991 the Noma Award, Africa's most prestigious book prize. Niyi Osundare is currently Visiting Professor of African Literature at the University of New Orleans.