Places of Permanent Shade

"In Places of Permanent Shade, J. Kates tackles the big themes along with some smaller ones, but whether he is writing about chopping wood or the end of the world, he brings to his poetry a restless intelligence, subtle humour and a keen sense of observation, both of the inner and the outer life. His tone and use of imagery are remarkable and varied, the voice both colloquial and elegant. And often, lurking just around the corner, is a sharp wit that will jump out and bite you on the arse before you know it." -Peter Robinson, author of Not Dark Yet