8The poetry of Paul K. T. Barnes is rooted in traditional forms, yet it is permeated with oddities and abrupt turns that set the author apart. His verses soar with ecstatic beauty, while recognizing the pain, ugliness, and depression that so often characterize the human condition. His imagery ranges from the striking yet familiar to the nuanced and unexpected. The boldness of his poetry belies his public reticence. Paul was clearly steeped in the literature and folklore of England and Western Europe.
Paul's poetry is clearly meant to be read aloud. Use the rhythms of normal speech; the meter will come out right. Where it gets bumpy, that's appropriate to the context.