The author of Sacred America turns to the words of ten great poets to shed light on the eternal feelings, aspirations and desires that stir the human heart and soul. Drawn from a wide array of traditions, periods and styles, the poems include works by Whitman, Neruda, Mary Oliver, Derek Walcott, Antonio Machado, Rumi and St. John of the Cross, illuminated by Housden's spirited commentary on each work. The collection features a Foreword by poet, author and translator Stephen Mitchell.