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McGovern's collection of poetry and prose encompasses a diverse range of topics. For example, there is a poem about someone trying to enjoy a bowl of potato soup when winter comes knocking at the door. There are also plenty of poems about madmen, hitchhikers, birds, drinking, and sex. He includes a countdown poem about four men who attempt to rob what is most likely a bank and have their plans interrupted by the police. There is a selection of poems in Japanese forms, including haiku. There are also poems about dreaming, mental health, and thinking of lustful ways to woo married women on trains. Both the introduction and subject matter suggest that one of the main themes is speaking for the forgotten and downtrodden.
McGovern mixes many styles in this work. He has poems which include a lot of end rhymes, prose poems, and others which are fully free verse. The unmistakable influence on this body of work is the works of the Beat movement. Kerouac and Ginsberg are everywhere, and touches of Ferlinghetti are also found. The first two authors have poems here deliberately patterned after pieces they've written, such as Kerouac's jazz descriptions and haikus, and Ginsberg's "Howl." However, the strongest work in the book may very well be one that doesn't lean into these influences as much. "Potato Soup" is a simpler prose poem that embodies a bit of Bukowski's nonchalant attitude. Those who have read all the Beat writers and hunger for more will find plenty in McGovern's book upon which to feed.
A 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist