The poems are not all on "Objectivist" themes, for sure, but the title poem was inspired by the unforgettable conversation between Hank Rearden and Francisco D'Anconia, standing at the window in Rearden's home, looking out over the bitter, storm-swept fields. Francisco divines Rearden's inner-most feeling: that it is a terrible night for any animal caught on that plain, and he is glad to be a man, tonight.