In this book, the poet seeks to delineate his relationship to his wife and other women. Not all the poems have a dedication, so it is up to the reader to decide. There are poems, such as the "Elasticity of Time," which while exploring the moment of conception, tend to view the woman more in a traditional idealistic role as a muse. Perhaps due to his own ancestry, the poet's fascination with Oriental women, bordering on an obsession, is obvious. And throughout the book there are moments where the poet shares his grief with a neighbor's daughter, or humorously lends his ear to the time-honored wisdom of a housekeeper. The poet seems deeply inclined to celebrate and honor a successful relation between the sexes, both within the family and out, as one of friendship.