McVeigh admitted that he was particularly drawn to the phrase "Beyond this place of wrath and tears". This shows his true feelings about the system in America. The poem was written by an invalid to show his defiance in the face of suffering. Many elements of society believe the release of this poem was an attempt to prove his steadfastness, and perhaps to turn him into somekind of a martyr. The release of a poem such as this is much less easy to criticise than other similar final statements, while still maintaining defiance.