Figurative Poetics is an engaging alternative that goes beyond simplistic site-specific, place-making and way-finding approaches. The 530 banners capture the diverse voices of Houston’s robust literary scene from Houston’s poet laureates to school children with a collection of poetry, quotes and lyrics juxtaposed with images of life in Downtown Houston. Figurative Poetics beautifully reveals the complex and unlikely character that is Houston. Special thanks to contributing local and national poets and writers, both young and old, and to Miah Arnold of Grackle and Grackle.

The selected texts figuratively comment on the city as an organism, poke fun at the heat and humidity, quip at traffic issues and explore the region’s flora and fauna, where oak trees abound, and the sweet smell of barbecue suffuses the air.