Commissioned by marimba virtuoso Ming-Hui Kuo while the composer was an undergraduate at West Virginia University, this work represents his first exploration of the instrument’s unique sonic capabilities. The piece is built around fluid textures, defined by "ripples" that rise and fall across the keyboard in constant motion.

The middle section departs from traditional marimba writing by introducing a gentle, lullaby-like melody suspended over delicately arpeggiated chords—a deliberately unusual and intimate texture for the solo instrument. This quietude eventually gives way to a brutal and exciting climax, pushing the marimba to its full expressive breadth and utilizing its entire range to a powerful effect.