Suffused with the atmosphere of the landscapes that inspire the poet, including the lush countryside of Powys and islands throughout the world, this well-wrought poetry collection contemplates universal midlife themes. It is deeply involved with questions of desire, such as the ideal of a beautiful woman, hope of a good state, and vision of a pristine country and seaside. The tension between such ideals, lofty aims, and inevitable disappointments unite in the main title sequence, where an entire society must scheme and suffer for Helen's allure. These pointed poems provide an enjoyable glimpse into the poet's poignant imagination.