"The Ashes of August" by Kim Barnes

     The writing style of this piece was particularly enjoyable. The descriptions were so vivid that it really made me want to visit the childhood home of Barnes. The subject of this essay was also very interesting, as Barnes nonchalantly wrote about how fire was a constant threat to her home and her life, but was such a part of her way of life that it never felt so dangerous. Barnes' writing styles used both factual and personal information combined with very vivid descriptions to tell the reader what it was like for her growing up, including the beauty and the terror of the arid atmosphere.