Dai's poetic realm is a river, forest, and mountain landscape that reflects the lyrical and smooth topography of her native state. This place has a mysterious, myth-filled, and densely sacred nature. Magic can be discovered everywhere.But if you read on, you'll also notice a darker undercurrent: this idyllic setting is also dotted with "guns and gulls" and "the footfall of soldiers." You also see that Dai's verse, for all its simplicity, is not without deceit. It has a soft, alluring riverine pull that can take you to unexpected, heart-stopping moments.