A Native American poet explores aspects of language, American Indian culture, and the land.

Jennie Grayson found it almost impossible to live up to her mother Helen's expectations. As a result, they were frequently in conflict. A telegram summoned Jennie to nurse a terminally ill great-aunt in the town of Truro, sixty miles away from her home city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The night before her departure, Jennie and Helen had an intense disagreement over Jennie's choice of whom she would marry. In a fit of anger, Jennie said unkind things to her mother. Could she ever be forgiven? On December 6, 1917, as she was no longer needed in Truro, Jennie made plans to return to Halifax. Then came shocking news that completely turned her world upside down. Two ships had collided near the waterfront of Halifax Harbour, one of which was carrying tons of munitions. On impact, a giant explosion occurred, which was the world's worst disaster at that time, killing and injuring thousands. Can Jennie and her extended family rise up from the tragedy and trauma to ultimately triumph?