This mystical cycle of poems is an exploration of how one lives in a time of crisis. The initial inspiration came from the Siege of Leningrad during World War II, but quickly evolved to include the smaller battles that all people face in their everyday lives. From time to time we all find ourselves under siege from various attackers and sometimes even from ourselves. These poems trace the path from pain and despair to perseverance and on through to hope and renewal. Along the way questions are entertained about what it means to truly live.