This poetry collection embraces the philosophy that all may not be well with the human condition, but that living in a coma of despair is not the answer. Poem after poem forces readers to acknowledge the inevitable struggle, calling out betrayal and looking into the darkness with a clarity of vision. Clay's poems not only accentuate the horror, but also the beauty and bliss that one can find in the aftermath. His poetry offers a refreshing boldness that never shies away from the abyss. Whether he considers the gritty humanity of Jesus or a girlfriend who did him wrong, he wrestles with all of it with depth and honesty. The voices of narrators and characters vary to such degrees that each one imbues this collection with contrasts: chaos and calm, light and darkness, wisdom and folly, hope and despair, freedom and bondage. Just when you think it's safe, disruption occurs, and readers will be forced to acquiesce; in the end, gravity will always win.
