The collected poetry of Rex Wilder, whose passion for rhyme and rhymes of passion have long set him apart as a unique presence in contemporary American poetry. In addition to collecting Wilder's previously published work, Open Late includes some 100 works never before published.

The two-term U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins said this of Rex's first book, Waking Bodies, the poems of which are included in this volume:

"In Rex Wilder's poetry, the tired English of everyday use comes back to us refreshed and full of its original surprise. In a world glutted with poetry, that Wilder has found a new way to say the old things is a notable achievement."