The poetry of Paul K. T. Barnes is rooted in traditional forms, yet it is permeated with oddities and abrupt turns. 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.

Paul Barnes was steeped in the literature and folklore of England and Western Europe. He was involved with a theatrical group called "The Gallery Players." A small ad in the New York Times, May 18, 1979, announced their production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Paul's relationship to his father, Kenton Kilmer, son of poets Joyce Kilmer and Aline Kilmer, became public in the year 2000 with the publication of his limerick in "Joyce Kilmer's Relatives Go Out On A Limb-Erik: Wry 'em and Writhe 'em" (published on demand by Rising Dove Fine Arts). Family rumors of Kenton Kilmer's biological fatherhood of Paul came out after the deaths of Kenton and his wife Frances. While clearing their house, Miriam found evidence of Kenton's early relationship to Paul: baby pictures, a lock of hair tied with a blue ribbon, an early letter, and a very early poem by Paul. These items were stored in a drawer containing Kenton's treasures. Nevertheless, it's clear that Paul basically grew up without a father. This fact may have contributed to his own inability to parent, which led to strained relationships with his own children—even estrangement. It is his hope that this volume will contribute not only to the promotion of Paul K. T. Barnes' prodigious talent, but also to healing in his whole, widespread family.