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