Poetry. Middle Eastern Studies. LGBTQIA Studies. In 1953, Yoko Ono wrote a score called Secret Piece, an open-ended formula for musical performance in a forest at daybreak. Beginning with this invitation to creation, and using essays, diary entries, prose maps, and verse fragments, Kazim Ali marks a path through quantum physics, sixth-century Chola Empire sculptures, the challenges of literary translation and of climate change, and destruction of a priceless set of handmade flutes by airport security. Here is a vast, courageous text investigating race, separation, the molecules of space, the love of his man, and many other parts of this Living Universe in an entirely fresh and exhilarating perspective.–CAConrad

Kazim Ali extends to us a living and moving wondering in SILVER ROAD–an active and rational thinking, yes, though poured from the vessel of body, its clay, breath and frailty…–Layli Long Soldier

Poet Ali… transforms readers into his companions on his travels around the globe and on an interior philosophical quest. Ali cleverly spurns convention for this excellent mixed-genre collection.–Publishers Weekly