Help Me, Information: Poems

by David Kirby

Help Me, Information is propelled by the speed and motion of the poems that define earlier acclaimed books by David Kirby, poems that move the way the mind does on a good day, puddle-jumping from one topic to another and then coming in for a nice soft landing.

Colloquial in tone, balancing narrative breadth with precise detail, Kirby’s poetry displays his voracious curiosity about history, science, literature, and popular culture. Yet here he also reinvents himself with poems that recall the compactness of Jack Gilbert, the sweep of Allen Ginsberg, and the introspection of Frank O’Hara.

Help Me, Information presents a fresh Kirby, familiar yet new.

Genres: Poetry

136 pages, Paperback

Published August 11, 2021

About the author

David Kirby (born 1944) is an American poet and the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of English at Florida State University (FSU).

Kirby has published over 20 books, including collections of poetry, and literary criticism. His new and selected poetry collection, The House on Boulevard St. (Louisiana State University Press), was nominated for the 2007 National Book Award in poetry. His work has won numerous awards, including four Pushcart Prizes, the James Dickey Prize, and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Guggenheim Foundation.

Kirby obtained his Ph.D. in 1969 from Johns Hopkins University. He lives with his wife and fellow poet Barbara Hamby in Tallahassee, Florida.

Reviews

[Tyler V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, David Kirby's work may seem random, a stream-of-consciousness snowballing into some incongruous Jack Frost. This is not the case. Every line and metaphor are placed with a precision even the most economical poets will admire, and each piece adds to an elusive gestalt just within reach--like the shadows in Pissaro's Hoarfrost. But more than technique, these poems feel lived in, and they invite you--without guile--to celebrate life with them, in all its confusion and joy.

With Kirby, it's like kicking back with your coolest, happiest uncle. He's seen the other side and he assures you with a wise wink that you will, too. Just keep your ears open, he says.

"After all, who do you think / I'm writing these poems for? I'm trying to make / you even more wonderful than you are already." (74)

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

nobody weaves memoir, pop-culture, and history together like Kirby

[Tom C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read at least a dozen books by David Kirby, and this just might be the strongest. It also may be the strongest collection I've read all year. What's so amazing is that, despite being a well-established poet and writer, he's out there innovating, pushing himself to write in new styles, re-inventing the trademark "Kirby poem" by carefully and joyfully absorbing the influences of such poets as Jack Gilbert, Allen Ginsberg, Walt Whitman, and Frank O'Hara. I hope his work will be read as widely and for as long as theirs has been. Simultaneously funny and melancholic, deeply erudite and enamored of pop culture, full of clear ideas and clear emotions, these are full poems, poems that a smart sixth grader can understand even as they challenge the most sophisticated readers.

[Sascha · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a post on Sunday, I called my finding Help Me, Information by David Kirby to be serendipity because I am not sure that there is another current book of poems around–not dealing directly with nature–that I would adore as much as I did this one. (I am always happy to be wrong so if you can suggest one, please do!)

Although he is a new to me poet, David Kirby has been writing poetry for a long time. I don’t know if Help Me, Information is his typical style, but the blurb suggests not. Regardless, I became quite fond of this style.

While I like to write poetry, I don’t often write reviews of poetry books so forgive any blundering around on my part.

Most of the poems struck me a conversational with almost a stream-of-consciousness about them, moving through thoughts and then going full-circle to the original idea. They felt “easy,” which made me realize how talented Kirby must be to make these poems seem effortless.

As the title suggests, he frequently weaves music lyrics and musicians into the poems, conversation and insight, and bits that he’s read. His wry wit comes through. I was chuckling at some of his phrases and then immediately there would be that “aha” moment that would sideswipe me. Or an entire poem that grasps your heart and squeezes followed by one that is called, “Ode to My Skinny Legs” in which his sense of humor shines through:


(this excerpt from “Ode to My Skinny Legs” is not formatted as it is in the book except for line breaks).

"Nobody has skinnier legs than I do. They
resemble nothing more
than “two rat tails hanging out of a
cracker box,” to use my high
school football coach’s accurate if less than
totally complimentary
description of my nether appendages.
They’re not my legs
anyway, since I got them from my dad"

*Ode to My Skinny Legs, David Kirby*

And, yes, so many poems include music references that I think Kirby must love music as much as I do.

So, serendipity, yes. I loved reading these poems.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Fowler Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread lines, I laughed, I got misty, I marked some to share with others, I was prompted to search for art and figures alluded to. My mind was enriched by this collection and what else can you ask for? I think it's my favorite collection of Dr. Kirby's to date. Just wonderful.

[Stephen Kowalkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

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