In the collection of poems New Life Not Death, Toya Stone transports others on a symbolic journey as she explores spirituality, faith, and the natural world. In a celebration of her personal victories against depression, anger, and helplessness, Stone extends an invitation to enter her personal life and experience the corruption that once choked her and the salvation that eventually saved her. She opens the collection with rich imagery and an engaging sensuous tone: Secrets of what my neighbor hath done to me, I care to share. Quick, give me your ear. I shall tell you only what the wind doth know as I grow tired. Night holds hands with the stars as they persuade me into bed. As she continues her ten-year pilgrimage through darkness to the light on the other side, Stone focuses on the natural and spiritual world where, once bandaged and bruised, she takes a deep breath, closes her eyes and realizes it is time for a new life and not death.
"A vivid breath of beautiful color whispered into a black and white world. Her vision is an illumination."
-Jon-Michael Foshee, Actor