In this sequence, the poet is coming to terms with the finality of their separation. In the first poem, they discuss a recent writer's block and what caused it. Very specifically it was NOT the quality of his rival's poetry. In fact, they go to great pains to discuss how the rival poet relies upon other writers to craft their poems. One of those, he refers to as a ghost. The poet has a ghost writer.

Still, even in despair and being rejected both by their beloved and by their society generally, the faith of their love never vacillates. They continue to place their love in the beloved even if it means speaking poorly of themselves.