Terrain

Dan Patterson has his own voice: controlled, thoughtful and imbued with a kind of sad wisdom. He writes poems for himself and the seclusive reader that can potentially be anyone. He wants to connect with others, but in the intimate manner found within the quietness of contemplation. “Dominion” and so many other poems in this collection speak directly to the reader in the tone of voice that emanates from humanity’s capacity for love and kindness. It is the extreme positive thought and action that often gets lost in today’s brutal reality. It’s the heart of a poet trying to secure a safe place for the fragile spider in “Bookstore”. This poet values the actual shape of the text on the page. He sees a connection between its physical form and the poem’s inherent expression. Poetry readings are more for poets who want to be performers, want to entertain. The voice of Dan Patterson may be the one you hear inside your head; it may be your own.

—Johnny Case, Fort Worth, Texas, Jazz Pianist

The imagery in the poetry of “Terrain” is a powerful witness to humanity’s longing to encompass the whole of life experiences, the blending of the mortal with the eternal, the sensitivity of the human with the natural, and the ever extracting meditative music within our souls. These poems strum the chords of thought and take us to a place of reflective peace. “Terrain” provides a grounded balance for whichever path on which we find ourselves.

—(Rev.) Hector M. Medina, Arlington, Texas