Poetry is the artwork of the literary world, and Jewels within a Teardrop offers both: -- 16 beautiful, evocative paintings by the author, and a fine anthology of haunting poems that explore the nature of the universe, the Creator, humanity, and our relationships with each other. Unhampered by the linearity of prose, Toni Salerno uses the poet's freedom to paint images that resonate with our deepest hopes and fears, and joys and pain -- hopes for a new age and the fear that blocks us from it, the pain of separation from our Creator or a lover, and the joy of reunion. Toni's poetry is a true roller-coaster for the emotions.