This is a book about relationships: ours with each other, and with the natural world. Ken McCullough demonstrates a profound understanding and acceptance of the balance between light and dark in the universe. These poems span a lifetime, from the glories of childhood to the embracing of mortality; his words are passionate and elegant, and meditate on life from the perspective of one who has lived it fully. Considering the title of the book, Walking Backwards, one comes to the realization that the poet is retracing his steps without looking, because he has faith in his inner vision. Walking backwards into his own past and our shared past, he speaks to us with wit and humility, as prophet, trickster, father, lover, friend and teacher.