A long overdue retrospect of poet, performer and raconteur Jimmy Ross, including poetry, stories and a play by this New Orleans icon. No one captures the texture of New Orleans and the gritty realities of American life quite like Jimmy Ross. Reading or listening to Jimmy Ross is like riding across America’s psyche on a vintage bus next to H. L. Mencken’s teddy bear. Jimmy Ross is nothing short of a New Orleans legend and treasure. —Chris Champagne To an Unidentified Insect I do not like you on my arm you have six legs yourself, before you come to serious harm please take them someplace else. I don’t have time to count my fleas or picnic with my ants, I’d never let the likes of you go crawling up my pants. I don’t believe I like you the slightest little bit; and now I shall quietly place you in Herbie Kearney’s grits.