Jean L. Connor lives in Shelburne, Vermont and has published two books, A Cartography of Peace (Passager Books, 2005) and A Hinge of Joy, (Passager Books, 2016). Ms. Connor’s poem, “Of Some Renown” was chosen by US Poet Laureate, Ted Kooser for inclusion in his series, American Life In Poetry (sponsored by The Poetry Foundation, and the Library of Congress). Ted Kooser’s commentary on Jean Connor’s poem is quite clear,
In this short poem by Vermont writer, Jean L. Connor, an older speaker challenges the perception that people her age have lost their vitality and purpose. Connor compares the life of such a person to an egret fishing. Though the bird stands completely still, it has learned how to live in the world, how to sustain itself, and is capable of quick action when the moment is right.
Vermont composer Erik Nielsen has set Ms. Connor’s poems to music in, “Voices of October: Coral and Vocal Music by Erik Nielsen.” Jean Connor is one of the founding residents of Wake Robin retirement community in Shelburne, VT. They consider her to be Wake Robin’s Poet Laureate.
As part of a recent poetry gathering panel, led by Vermont Poet Laureate, Chard deNiord, Jean Connor gave a rousing and inspiring reading. She has said about her work, “There is a sense of dedication. Writing is part of my effort to become fully myself, to understand myself and my world more deeply. Poetry for me is less starting a truth I already know, than finding a truth I want to share.” She is 99 years of age, and continues to write poetry.
Jean Connor’s books are available for purchase at these Vermont stores:
or directly from the publisher,