Approximately 60 poems or fragments of poems, many multiple pages, plus a few other pieces. All but a few are handwritten in pencil, on plain notebook paper, most approx. 7x4; three are typewritten (2 of these signed, the other with ms. notations); plus several typed but not signed. Nearly half of the manscript poems are signed by Sterling.
Important archive from the San Francisco poet, member of the bohemian circle surrounding Jack London, and known as "Greek" to his friends and admirers. Most of the poems and fragmants appear to be working fragments, with corrections and emendations, and a number are likely unpublished, or, if published, in variant form. They range from rather serious efforts, such as the 4-page "The Unconditioned" (formerly "The Absolute Unconditioned", but with Absolute crossed out), which beginds, The god is not the sower nor the sown,/ Nor giver of the long-entreated rain,/ Nor yet the harvest yellow on the plain,/ Nor field in which the sustinance had grown,/ Nor steel with which the ripened stalks are mown..." to the rather frivolous, as the whimsical verse "Poke me if I'm getting lazy,/ Prompt me if I'm talking hazy,/ Stop me if I'm speaking crazy,/ I'm drunk - not you." Also present is a five-page fragment of what seems to be a play (perhaps a Grove Play), a 20-page listing of "Books to H.A.L.", and a few other non-poetic items.