Some folks seem to think it's far too dark. Certainly the beginning is darker than the ending. The ending has a larger percentage of hopeful, light themed 'haiku.'
The author told me they wanted folks to realize the darkness described this era ... but that Light was also available--and would win, in the end.
Your kind reply will be very comforting to the author. Thanks.
In order to turn towards the Light, a soul has to realize “I’m in the darkness, and it’s frightening and dangerous”, and then realize there is a solution, and try to find that Solution. Description of the darkness is needed, to pretend all is well is like dying of cancer while refusing to get tested or take any measures against it while going “tra la la”. One must face the darkness, and know that ultimately, darkness is merely absence of Light. Turn to the Light, and the darkness is gone (in ones’ life). Gradual process, of course.