Cranes Ascending the Rose Line (ePub)

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A collection of three short stories and one long verse poem divided into 4 chapters:

"No Way Out" is a novel that delves into the complexities of modern society, exploring themes of abandonment, alienation, power dynamics, and personal struggles. The protagonist observes the struggles of everyday people trying to survive amidst the power struggles between corporations, media, and politics. As xenophobia and greed become the norm, people are forced to retreat to rural areas, leaving behind the reflections of the contemporary. The book examines the interplay between societal norms and personal struggles in a world that often feels beyond our control.

"Visions of Coriander" is a collection of poems that reflect on the lifestyle in San Francisco and the backwoods high mountains of Mendocino, California between 1967 and 1970. The poems aim to establish a bridge between the Zen Beatnik and modern times, while also acknowledging the influence of the hippie spectrum. The collection consists of 11 sonnets and several stanza poems in each sonnet.

"The Nippon Goldfish Company" is a novel that follows Bill on a journey of self-discovery through various experiences, including visiting a Yoga Society's library, an opium den, a tea house, and a jazz club. Each experience opens up a new way of seeing the world and helps Bill gain new insights and perspectives, leading him to a new sense of purpose and direction in life.

"Cubism" is a collection of three stories - Sex Machine, Doors of Perception, and The Flop House. Sex Machine is about a young woman caught up in the streets of San Francisco amidst drugs, chaos, and lack of work. Doors of Perception follows Lewis as he sits on a bus, absorbed in thoughts about his beloved Becky. The Flop House is about a group of young people navigating their way through the large city of San Francisco, finding shelter in a flop house.