Welcome to Jefferson Singer’s poetry homepage. Since my parents gave me A Child’s Book of Poems, published in 1960 by Peter Pauper Press, when I was just a tiny boy, I have been captivated by poetry. Seamus Heaney once wrote of a moment “when the bird sings very close/To the music of what happens.” Poetry is that music, which gives witness to what we see, hear, and feel in our lives.
But first, we must slow our busy routines to give focused attention to the various worlds we inhabit. My collection of poems, In Common Things, reflects my efforts over 60+ years to become a more thoughtful and patient observer of the happenings in life – highlighting relationships, the natural world, and spirituality. I try to write poems that engage readers of all types, but especially people who may not perceive themselves as regular readers or lovers of poetry. I believe poetry is an essential aspect of human thought and communication. Too often, highly esoteric and abstract approaches to poetry have turned away potential readers and narrowed what should be a much wider audience. I strive to write with clarity about the common things in life that point us toward a path of greater fulfillment and wisdom. I hope my poems can be a bridge to reluctant readers of poetry and encourage them to share in the music that is ever present in our lives.