In this debut collection, organised in five thematic sections, Frank McMahon explores a range of personal and universal experiences. His poems are sincerely felt, whether with anger (at injustice), grief (at the loss of family or friends), delight (with nature, music, words). He approaches his subjects with a deftness of touch and sense of lyricism. He has a keen ear for voice, which at times is direct ("assume the supplicant's position"); imagistic ("shoes, fissured, soiled, heels broken'). More often it is questioning, reflective, or poignant. Never sentimental nor didactic, McMahon is a poet who thinks deeply and respects his readers; a poet who tells the truth but tells it slant.