I am very pleased to present to you My Wooded Grove, the latest collection of poems written by my father. I have helped produce many of his books over the years and continue to be amazed by my dad’s ability to perceptively capture the wide range of human experience while weaving in autobiographical essays that add depth and personal connection to his writing. Penning nearly 500 poems from December 2019 to July 2020 is an accomplishment that becomes even greater when one sees the exceptional quality of the words on the printed page. My dad says that he often wakes in the morning with the latest poem to write in his mind, and he quickly organizes his thoughts into a powerful and often moving composition. I am convinced that over time more people will recognize the clarity and strength of Jan Otterstrom’s poetry. The following excerpt from a more recent poem, “Write to conquer death,” captures some of my dad’s purpose and hope in his poetry:

“Even as eternity brings him at last to himself,
the poet revives with a naked sword his terrified
century at having failed to be aware of a triumph
over death with his strange poetic voice. I write to
my children’s children and children yet born, who
will read my poems, long after I have gone home.”
—August 29, 2020

I invite you to enjoy My Wooded Grove in all of its artistic directness, challenging complexity, and touching candor.
—Samuel Otterstrom, Provo, Utah

Soft Cover