"The Simple Gift," by Steven Herrick, is a verse novel in which the three main characters all enter new stages and experiences in their lives. Early in the novel, when readers are first introduced to the characters, none of them are content with the lives they are living, so they begin transitions into new stages. The topic of ‘into the world" is dealt with through the transitions of Billy, Caitlin and Old Bill. For Billy, the decision to leave home was his, as he decided he'd had enough of "soulless tyranny" of “the old bastard" his father. This technique of expletive language is used to depict the poor relationship he shared with his father, and also his attitude of the world he is living in. When he rides the freight train out of town, he is unsure where he will end up. Whilst on the train, Billy is caught in the bad weather, being hit by wind and rain “with the force of a father’s punch." This technique of metaphor further reveals Billy’s poor home life. Ernie’s train whistle, which he blows for Billy to get off at Bendarat, symbolizes the beginning of Billy’s new life. Billy meets many challenges in this new place, such as where to sleep and where to find food. He meets these challenges head up, as he is determined to enter this new world and make a new life for himself. He sleeps in an old train carriage, and most of his meals are scraps from McDonalds. His attitude towards this change is enthusiastic and he feels that this change is beneficial for him. In this new world, Billy does rely on others for help. Examples of these people are Ernie the train driver, Irene the librarian. These other characters feel sympathetic towards Billy. Billy wishes to return their kindness, such as when he leaves the champagne for Ernie and is “glad [it] was going to someone who deserved it” the champagne is a use of symbolism that shows Billy taking from his dad, and giving to a kind stranger, showing Billy’s transition into