At first, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about Kirby's poetry. It was interesting and fun, but didn't quite flow in the ways that I expected it to. But, over time, it really grew on me. Narrative poetry takes what seem like normal sentences, paragraphs, and/or prose and turn them into a new form visually. That visual transformation then alters how you read the words, allowing new ways for Kirby to create rhythm and cadence within what would otherwise seem like somewhat irregular prose. Although not my favorite poet, he is definitely quite talented. One of my biggest complaints, though, is that despite the beauty and cleverness with which he alludes to and incorporates ideas, etc. from the classics, he often seems to be citing them and experts in various fields just so that he can sound smarter. That said, I really enjoyed reading through the collection, and will likely buy more of his work if I can find it at a decent price.

The House on Boulevard St.: New and Selected Poems (Southern Messenger Poets) by David Kirby (2007)

I quite enjoyed stepping into Mr. Kirby's mind, and meandering along the many and varied streets that criss-cross that space. His language is potent and beautifully observes the academic and personal situations that comprise his life.

Definitively the sharpest and most hilarious poet out there! For those intellectuals who want to read something beautiful, but not take life TOO seriously.