Lee's collection Rose, published in 1986, includes "The Weight of Sweetness." These poems, many of which explore the poet's relationship to his father, are full of nostalgia and tenderness. Of particular interest are the poems "Eating Alone," "Persimmons," and "Always a Rose."

In his interview with Tod Marshall in the Kenyon Review's Winter 2000 issue, Lee discusses his family background and the challenges he faced learning English.