Almost an unofficial "Selected Poems 1970-1980" Moving Right Along assembles with  then-newer pieces much previously published work from Elmslie's prolific 1970s, including his experimental "Alphabet Work," Communications Equipment," and three scenes reprinted from "City Junket."

Kenward Elmslie's poetry and prose is often combined with the graphical work of other artists. A collection of his writing, Motor Disturbance (1971), won the Frank O'Hara Award for Poetry in 1971. He was awarded the National Endowment of the Arts Award for Power Plant Sestina (1967) and the Ford Foundation Grant. In 1973 Elmslie began work as editor and publisher of Z Magazine and Z Press, working to promote the work of other New York School artists such as John Ashbery, Ron Padgett, James Schuyler, and perhaps most extensively, Joe Brainard. Elmslie s work with graphic artists such as Brainard combined poetry with art to emphasize their interconnectedness; his work in theatre demonstrates his commitment to art as a whole, not only to one medium.