These poems stem from Coles's studies of the lives of poor black children in the South, and Native-American children in the Southwest and Alaska. These tough, sad, hopeful, and militant poems give voice to children and adults on the firing-line during the civil rights movement of the 1960's. The poems in the second section, which arise from Coles's work among Native-Americans, are quieter in tone, more radiant, lyrical, and even transcendent. Commentary Coles's poetry is direct and easily accessible.
Coles responds with great lyricism to the people and places of New Mexico and Alaska.