David K. Leff did it all. He was a naturalist. Historian. Fire fighter. POET.

In his final volume, published posthumously, he cries out for us to pay attention to our world and what we are doing to it. He did not live to see our environment destroyed, but certainly our grandchildren may.

David's voice is one of warning, but it's because he was so in tune with nature that he's cautioning us to take care, to be aware.

I had the pleasure of reading poetry with David at various venues around Connecticut. Each time I read a poem from this book, I hear his voice. You may not be able to hear his voice, but if you quiet the own cacophony in your head and allow yourself to listen, these poems will speak to you, too.

"In the woods and air you will find me / among hepatica's delicate pink / abloom in a last snow; and as fiddleheads / unwind beside nodding bells of trout / lily and feathery leaves of squirrel corn. / I'll be there, always, to refresh your spirit." ( )