'A Cast of Coins' derives from contemplation of the language and images encountered in the 'I CHING,' an ancient Chinese text used for divination. Those who are unfamiliar with the 'I CHING (or Yi Jing) The Book of Changes,' will be able to read the poems as poems without referring to it. However, some knowledge of this text would add a dimension to the reader's experience. At the core lies an interchange between concept and image taken from nature as well as cultural, social and religious life. 'A Cast of Coins' is a book about messages.