"Jerry Johnson's A Bed of Leaves is full of life and full of love for life. Reading Jerry's work sometimes feels to me like taking a brisk walk on a Vermont autumn day, with its crisp gusts of wind, changes of weather and mood, solemn moments and cheerful moments, tremendous energy, and the pleasure of sudden glimpses of lovely, unexpected light."
     Reeve Lindbergh, author of Under A Wing, No More Words and several children's books

"Jerry does a very good job using Northeast Kingdom images and experiences to write fresh and original poems. His poetry is from the heart and refreshingly accessible. You don't need a Rosetta Stone to understand it."
     Howard Frank Mosher, author of Waiting for Teddy Williams, Where the Rivers Flow North, A Stranger in the Kingdom, Northern Borders

"You can't just say a few words about Jerry Johnson; the Creek Road Renaissance man has found his legs in poetry. Whether stalking Squaretails, hearing the thunderous whack of a beaver tail on a quiet pond, or walking with an old friend, Jerry is a keen observer of all the seasons of the Kingdom. All begins and ends beneath A Bed of Leaves."
     Bill Lee, former Red Sox pitcher, author of The Little Red Sox Book

"A fresh voice growing in clarity and strength, Jerry Johnson is a new Vermont poet to watch!"
     Don Tescher, wordsmith

"Now that I've read A Bed of Leaves again, I can only say thanks for sharing so vividly your kingdom of hills and brooks, your old-fashioned farmstead, your beloved animals and the 'adventures in contentment' you so enviably enjoy. Your choice of type style and Julie's soft-focus illustrations blend and enhance my nostalgia for a childhood on a farm. Thanks for the memories, poet. You're letting your rhymes fall like leaves where they will - Bravo!"
     Don Tescher, Maine Poet

"Jerry Johnson's verbal pictures illustrate a deep connection with nature and its rhythms of birth, death and rebirth. Reading his poetry is a genuine pleasure."
     Diana M. LaFalam, educator

"Jerry Johnson's poetry speaks to my soul. He has a wonderful gift to be able to express the world around him so eloquently. With such a fluent and easy style I can't imagine anyone not wanting to read A Bed of Leaves."
     Barbara Nole, professor

"Jerry Johnson's poems are so subtle. They have a kind of elegant sophistication."
     Natasha Kurtonina, professor

"Jerry Johnson's My Redford is a most touching and well-written tribute to his dog. It is beautiful. Certainly brought back wonderful memories of our own dogs."
     Mort Crim, Chairman of Mort Crim Communications,
     author of How To Be As Terrific As Your Dog Thinks You Are

"As I read A Bed of Leaves, I pictured the author watching a squirrel, brushing his horse and looking for answers in them that he could not find in the company of others. I pictured him content with their simplicity and embraced by their silent yet powerful spirits. These poems are peaceful."
     Former student of the author

Some additional quotes from Jerry’s readers:

“Jerry’s poetry makes me feel like I have someone who really knew me as I was growing up on a farm in southern Vermont. I feel his friendship in life, his appreciation of nature. His poetry makes me feel so comforted and loved, understood and known.”

“These poems refresh my soul.”

“His writing makes me smile.”

“Inspirational!”

“So many of Jerry’s writings spark a personal note of fond memories in our lives as well.”

“It was most enjoyable; it is my kind of poetry.”

“Lifted my spirits today.”

“Please convey to Jerry my deep appreciation for permitting me to join him in Vermont in all seasons of the year.”

“What a wonderful gift to be able to write such beautiful poetry and to write in a way that can be understood.”

“What seemed so easy to absorb at first now seems much deeper and more meaningful.”

“I love how you express nature. As an artist of landscapes, I search for the ‘silence’ and interpret in color what I see, hear and feel. You do the same with words. I hear the spirit in your work that only one can listen to. This is a wonderful way to spend our lives.”

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Jerry Johnson - Creek Road Poet
www.vtpoet.com
Copyright © 2004-2005 Jerry Johnson
Illustrations Copyright © 2004 Julie Petercuskie
No illustrations may be used in any form without written permission of Julie Petercuskie.
No images may be used in any form without written permission of Jerry Johnson.
All rights reserved.