After blaming himself for a fatal accident, Daniel Morrister comes unraveled. Having written several lines of poetry prior to being committed, he spends his time in a psychiatric hospital composing many more. At novel length, they detail a number of stories surrounding a certain corner - not even a town but, as he describes it, "the intersection of two roads on their way somewhere better." As a consequence of Daniel's entanglements in the area, several locals horrify him by going around with their clothes off. It drives the author to strive for a loftier outcome with his art while asking if words alone can beautify what happens.