Running Wild collects Patricia McMillen's sonnets, free verse and experimental forms to outline one woman's life and ever-changing perspective: from a 1950's suburban childhood, through a harrowing (but privileged) young adulthood, to middle age and well within sight of "elderhood". Relatable narratives, especially for women, include surviving childhood, marriage (twice!) and infertility treatments; an abortive attempt to form a family with a widower and his reluctant adult children, in yet another Chicago suburb; and the continual emotional and intellectual work of being, well, a smart, educated white woman in America right now. Includes award-winning poems "Yang," "Dark Night," "Smelt Fishing"...and many more!