"Evenings on the Edge of Death" explores the author's experience of growing up in a crucible of abuse, mental illness, and substance abuse. The poems address his relationship with his father, mother, and sister. Topics include abuse, substance abuse, and suicide. The book also examines the author's difficulty in saying goodbye to his mother when she developed dementia. The book is written within a larger context of adult trauma. In 2004, Mr. McDowell experienced a traumatic brain injury resulting from a car accident. After the injury, he went through an extended period of depression, mania, and substance abuse. These traumas serve as the backdrop and context for many of the poems. The poems reflect an authentic, honest, and poignant assessment of trauma in the author's life. The emotions explored include grief, despair, guilt, shame, anger, hope, faith, and forgiveness.