This is a short collection of poems by the prominent Chinese poet Jidi Majia. Jidi comes from the Yi Nuosu ethnic minority. The Yi culture and history is celebrated through many of his works. Along with his role as President of the Chinese Ethnic Minority Writers Society Jidi is a champion and advocate for the Yi people.

The collection is formed of many individual poems which, together, lament towards a greater intertwined assembly of works. The book starts with a poem calling the spirit of the ‘Black Deep River’. It goes on to paint images of mountainous landscapes, eagles and folklore. The collection finally comes to an end with a piece which follows his mothers death. The river is reintroduced as a symbol for baptismal commencement and ultimate purification.