These poems span two periods of the author's life: some were written and published in his thirties, others in his retirement. The earlier poems are more learned, allusive and tightly wrought, the later ones less formal in a style and perhaps easier to read. The earlier poems describe a period of great confusion and depression in the author's life, and dwell on the strange comfort given him by a particular place and church. The later ones retain the author's deep sense of place, but are much less troubled and more outward-looking. Poems of both periods reveal a deep love of nature, and a melancholy sense of time passing.