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when shadows stretch
and seem to yawn and the mist
curls, late to rise,
yesterday retreats to a dark wood,
mingles quietly with shade and leaves,
then waits, but in disguise."
Capitalizing on nostalgia, this poetry book addresses nearly every theme within the topic of the past. Using various modern poetic forms, Mason takes the reader through a wide range of historical events, such as the ancient Greeks and the atomic bomb. In one poem, "7th of December," he breaks down the many events and people associated with that date. The poems in this book don't just look at the big-picture past but touch on personal, heartbreaking moments many have either seen or faced. For instance, in his poem "The Figure,” Mason addresses the heartbreak of broken relationships, unplanned pregnancy, and putting a child up for adoption. The final poem of this book, "Contiguity," cleverly wraps up the entire theme.
Like a person in a dream, the reader travels through time, glimpsing at how the world has changed and yet remained the same throughout the history of humanity. Mason's poetry style is easy to read and inspirational for all readers, regardless of their usual feelings towards poetry. Written with clear, concise, and detailed language, every poem tells a story that connects to the heart. From long to short poems, Neal packs meaning and emotion into each work. The reader will be struck by the way he approaches tough topics like war, heartbreak, loss, and the overall brokenness of humanity. Despite its heavy thematic elements, one is filled with a sense of peace and hope for the world through the reading of this book. Any deep thinker will undoubtedly appreciate this collection.