When Chingonyi speaks his poems; he has them all by heart, a relatively rare skill which allows the poet to connect more completely with his audience. The same vibrant personality comes through on the page with language full of internal rhyme and complex rhythms. But it is the subject matter that most enthrals; I'ÂeÂ(tm)ve heard several poetry grandees bewail the reluctance of British poets to tackle the 'ÂeÂ~big issues'ÂeÂ(tm), but these poems do exactly that; issues of life, death, race, faith, family and authenticity are raised and meditated on here, in a thoughtful collection.