Elegiac minimalistic renderings of passion, joy and angst in Los Angeles and New York, these two sets of poems offer a search for redemption in turbulent times. The author reflects on darker undercurrents of internal strife and lighter moments of wit and transcendence. Included here are Thoughts on Crashing (1993-1997), which presents the poet navigating the roads and humanity of his native Southern California, and Festering Memories (1987-2012).