This intimate critique of Roethke's influence on American literature includes readings written by his former students, including poets Richard Hugo, David Wagoner, James Wright, Jack Gilbert and Carolyn Kizer, plus a segment from the play "First Class" by David Wagoner focusing on Roethke the teacher. Sandy Kleven, who wrote the script, is an alumna of UAA's M.F.A. program, the editor of the literary journal Cirque, author of "Holy Land", the book children's book "The Right Touch" and a collection of poems called "Defiance Street".