With Kingdom of the Instant, Rodney Jones delivers a collection of poems that address both transcendent and profane aspects of the American South, art and politics, poverty and privilege. Always engaging, Jones "shows the intensity of his loving regard for every aspect of life, from the grit of the earth to the silk of the skin and all that churns in the mind" (Donna Seaman, Booklist).
Full disclosure--I was lucky enough to have taken several classes from Mr. Jones as a student, and he has had a strong influence on me as a teacher. That said, I absolutely love this book, though I find his Elegy for the Southern Drawl more accessible. As a Northerner, reading this book was like trying to translate a book of Southern metaphysics. There were certain frequencies I could not quite reach--my failure, not his. Nevertheless, I love how he gets people talking on the page, and I love his sense of humor. I will always feel an enormous debt of gratitude for his kindness and generosity. A wonderful man, and a wonderful poet. Thank you for all the great work, Mr. Jones.