James is relatively familiar with poetry; it isn't his favorite form of written art, but he does have an appreciation for it and has composed some of it himself, both in serious attempts and purposefully terrible monstrosities. Of course, the trends in style of poetry have varied over the years, and James is certain they would have only continued doing so between his own time and whenever Zane is from, so that the composition is somewhat unusual to James is not hugely surprising. He also wonders if it has been perhaps translated as well.

At any rate, James can't glean all too much from the poem itself, other than the general tone of the imagery. So although he's listening, there isn't much besides contemplation to be seen in his expression, nothing particularly standing out to him or otherwise ringing familiar. However, at the last comments Zane makes, James can't help but be a little surprised that this didn't come up earlier; some sort of being that had been not quite Zane's wife is here, in this place?

"Who is it?" It's the obvious question, but he follows it with another. "It can change form?" How? Are there limitations? Is this something they need to be aware of, that some person or thing here can shapeshift and pretend to be others?