Sharon Olds, whom I sometimes like, will still write narrative poems about her life. Thank god that there are poets who have not abandoned all their learning and their own styles, some of which were basically set in the 60's or 70's. The poems present irony. That sets the tone for what follows. McClure's usual interest in nature is reflected in almost every one of these poems.
Some poems are short meditations about life and death.
He also compares a butterfly in sunlight to a light show at Fillmore West. These poems are different primarily for their length and complexity. Many of the themes are the same. The poem is both totally serious and lightly punning, a technique that Duncan admired. Other poems are ironic, as when he refers to Tonto, the only Native American many in our country could identify.