Using tree-trimming as one of several central metaphors, Old Rags and Iron is a collection of narrative poems about the life experiences of working-class people.
R. F. McEwen was born in Chicago, Illinois. Since 1962 he has been a professional logger and tree trimmer, and he has taught English in Chadron, Nebraska, since 1972. McEwen is the author of several books, most recently The Big Sandy, Bill’s Boys and Other Poems, and And There’s Been Talk . . .