A young man navigates the complexities of his identity and family life on a rural dairy farm. The poems explore the internal world of a closeted individual, set against the backdrop of animal husbandry and the natural world. He grapples with his desires and the expectations of his parents, within a landscape that is both literal and surreal, populated by the farm's inhabitants and the flora of his unique garden.

The dirt riddles is recognized for its powerful and evocative exploration of rural life and personal identity. The collection, winner of the inaugural Miller Williams Poetry Prize, is lauded for its grounded imagery, allowing readers to 'taste' the poems about life on a family dairy farm. Critics have noted the lyrical quality of the poems, which delve into the experiences of a closeted young man, his family, and the unique environment of their farm. The work is appreciated for its blend of the tangible world of animal husbandry with a more surreal, internal garden.