Don Paterson covers a broad spectrum of themes and issues in his work. His talent as a musician is reflected in the rhythms of in his poetry which challenge the reader to ask questions about life.
The selection of poems chosen for Higher cover themes ranging from love, memory, childhood, relationships and death.
In 11:00: Baldovan for example, we see a child’s fears about the wide world take over to create a surreal and frightening nightmare. Something we all do or did to a greater or lesser extent when confronted with a new challenge.
Waking with Russell focuses on Paterson’s relationships with his sons and the power of the bond between them that can transcend disaffection and suffering.
These are themes that affect us all as they deal with what it is to be human. Paterson will also challenge the reader to grapple with bigger concepts after the poem is finished. He does not solve the issues he raises for you. He takes you along for the ride and then says Goodbye, leaving you to work it out.
