The second collection of poems by the best-selling Texan journalist, historian, and poet Michael Lind employs a striking variety of metrical forms to deal with an unusually broad range of subjects. The Dragons That Are Best includes the libretto of a song cycle based on a Mexican legend for the famous soprano Marni Nixon and a verse satire about Bill and Hillary Clinton that appeared in Esquire, glimpses of working-class challenges and historical cameos, and a Southwestern bestiary and allegorical lyrics, including the title poem, that deal with aging and social tolerance and attitudes toward life.