These poems of close observation and passionate feeling deeply reflect Joseph Bruchac's Abenaki Indian heritage. Like Thoreau, he is a scrupulous student of nature. Uniquely, however, he brings his own cultural concerns to every observation -- not only about preservation of a vulnerable ecology, but about keeping cultural continuity and reaffirming tradition.

Poetry. Native American studies. These poems of close observation deeply reflect Bruchac's Abenaki Indian heritage. Like Thoreau, he is a scrupulous student of nature. In addition, he brings his unique cultural concerns to all he experiences--especially the need to preserve a vulnerable ecology while affirming native traditions. In this collection we find an ancient village ruin, kingfishers and red-tailed hawks in flight, burial places and a cedar flute. This is vintage Bruchac, a voice of hope and promise in a dark time. "The comforting power of silence within is a palpable presence in ABOVE THE LINE. Bruchac's work reminds us that beyond age, loss, and grief, the earth abides forever"--Paula Gunn Allen.