About three quarters of the way through his poetry collection How to Be Perfect, Ron Padgett describes his “method”: “. . . my method I guess I’d call it / is to start and go / wherever the poem seems to lead”. That is, in fact, how many of these poems read, with a rhythm and play of words that tumble along with surprising fluidity.

The title poem, “How to Be Perfect,” is an entertaining collection of advice, truisms, and nonsense that begins with “Get some sleep. / Don’t give advice. / Take care of your teeth and gums.” It continues for nine pages and incorporates the ocassional koanlike instruction, such as “Comtemplate everything’s opposite.” But, like the other poems in this book, it is never guilty of taking itself seriously as a Poem.

If the conversation between Padgett and Keillor is anything like Padgett’s poems, it’s sure to be an enjoyable event.

How to Be Perfect is published by Coffee House Press.