Exploring the tension between destruction and beauty, the poems delve into the struggles of the living and dying world. Robert Clinton presents vivid imagery, contrasting the devils that plunder the earth with the resilience of nature, symbolized by the "rose-clean, vigorous, fragrant." Each poem features a distinct formal structure, enhanced by rhythmic fluency and thought-provoking metaphors that resonate deeply, leaving an indelible mark akin to the sting of a thistle.
