The poet John Keats once wrote, “If a sparrow come before my window I take part in its
existence and pick out the gravel.” Of his new collection, John McCluskey writes, “As
my life progressed it became obvious to me that who I am is very likely different from
who I think I am, and it takes experiences and interactions with others to reveal that.”
That’s where McCluskey’s intriguing title comes into play along with the Keatsian quote
above. The poet becomes one with the people closest to him, takes part in their lives
“picks out the gravel” of his shared experiences with those significant others who, over
time have shaped and defined him. The poet avers, “I listened most respectfully to their
collective voice.”