This book brings together many themes and invites the reader to join in a conversation with the poet about life's many struggles, mercenary companies, travel, protecting important sites, the importance of romance and humour even when times are tough, seeing every day as an adventure, aiming for excellence, as well as dreaming of metamorphosis and a world without war. The title, No cold and paltry contest, is a stoic philosopher's epithet about life. All profits from the sale of this book will be split and then donated to Rotary and Red Cross.