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Norman MacCaig's poem describes a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. The basilica's role as a landmark is contrasted with the Christian ideals behind its construction.

Visiting Hour describes a visit to someone who is dying in hospital. The speaker tries to maintain his composure in order to prevent revealing his worry and fears to the person he is visiting.

This poem compares the evolutionary paths of basking sharks and humans. The sharks’ lives remain relatively unchanged for millions of years, but humans lead vastly changed lives.

This poem evokes Norman MacCaig's warm memories of his Aunt Julia. She lived in a croft on a small island in the Outer Hebrides, speaking no English, only her native Gaelic language.

In this poem, MacCaig portrays the imposing presence of a New York policeman. In doing so, MacCaig considers the fragile nature of society and the challenges that it can pose.

From his hotel room in New York during a trip in the mid-sixties, MacCaig considers the nature of society, and whether it has come as far as its technological advances would suggest.