Diane Imhoff developed her love of poetry reading Sylvia Plath (for whom she has written the poem "Sylvia") and Anne Sexton in particular. She gave up writing poetry during the final years of her life because, in her words, "it all became too dark." That said, Whispers Turned Shrill ultimately represents a beacon of hope that points the reader in the direction of acceptance and wonder. Diane Imhoff's legacy will be her poetic insight as well as her kindness to her fellow travelers journeying together along that path into meaning.