David Kirby is the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of English at Florida State University. His many books range from poetry to an appreciation of Little Richard and his awards include Guggenheim and NEA Fellowships. Most recently he is the author of THE TEMPLE GATE CALLED BEAUTIFUL (Alice James Books, 2008), The House on Boulevard St.: New and Selected Poems, and A WILDERNESS OF MONKEYS (Hanging Loose Press, 2014). He has been a finalist for the National Book Award.