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Sauntering around me, fretless
With not enough cells to carry rage
Or misanthropy
Like I do"
This collection of poetry is arranged in four parts loosely based on the stages of transformation from alchemy. They have an intrinsically modern feel and address themes such as psychology, modern technology, and the desire for connection. There are poems about the relationships between lovers as well as parents and children, discussions on society, observations from nature, a playful verse about verse, and several looks into the life of the mind. One thread that runs through most of the work is the tension between wanting better connections with others and the desire for isolation from the world. Most of the poems are confessional in tone, but the persona isn't always considered to be that of the poet.
LaBrie's collection is written in free verse, and several of the poems take structural risks that were once regarded as experimental. Also, many of the verses can be described as obscure, in the way one might use the word when referring to work by Ashbery or Eliot. The collection includes around a dozen or so poems, including "Practice," "An Affirmation of the Alchemy of Blood," "The Gemini Capsule," and "Apology," which any lover of modern poetry will enjoy reading and feel compelled to digest. It seems the more personal works in this collection are often the richest in material. There are strong poems in this collection that are delightful to read and think about, but others, especially some of the shorter pieces, may or may not resonate with every reader. Those who like contemporary verse and don't mind a bit of obscurity will find plenty of lines to enjoy rereading.