The poems in this volume, based on events in the author's life, explore the 1960s culture of secrecy surrounding alcoholism and depression and their effects on herself as a young girl. "Ann Bracken creates a vibrant dialogue with her reader. Her emotional vocabulary is wholeheartedly offered to us like a gift to the world. Bracken's strength comes from an equilibrium between idea and performance-interior and exterior lives, smartly drawn. With a strong voice, vitally engaged, she presents characters and behavior without judgment. Poetry is the vehicle that makes us laugh and cry at her "Altar...

Abigail Hagan is in love with her best friend, Beauregard Williams. Unfortunately, he's also a traitor, siding with the British as they invade Charleston in the spring of 1780. That won't stop her from doing all she can to thwart the enemy. Pirating supply ships, blowing up the armory and passing messages is all done with one thought, defeating Mother England. So what does she do when she discovers Beau is actually an American spy?