First Poem of Words

About the Book

This first book is a personal reflection of experiences, places, peoples, trials, and successes of the author. The goal is to inspire by sharing poignant thoughts, encourage by spreading ardent hope, and enlighten by being honest and forthright. The words in this glittering collection of poems and lyrics form one of the most naked self-exposures undertaken by a retired Soldier. Jef Harris reveals himself with vibrant literary invention. Speaking face-to-face to his readers, he paints a colorful tapestry of language that invites you to read or listen, appreciate and understand as you relate to the emotive messages in his voice.

About the Author

Jef Harris is an avid poet who began writing lyric poetry, in Chcago at age 10. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he gave impromptu readings wherever he went, backing himself up on acoustic guitar. In Germany, he’d walk into a piano bar, sit at a piano, play, and either sing or recite his poetry. He once said, “Each song begins with a poem or a prayer.” His poetry has been published by The World of Poetry Press, 1982; The New York Poetry Foundation Anthology, 1986; The American Poetry Anthology, 1983 and 1986; and other publications during 1980s - 1990s, in Germany and America. In the Army, Jef became a prolific technical writer, which resulted in the publication of several technical reports and maunals. After military retirement, his technical and business writing skills were in great demand and he spent nine years devoting his talent to those genres. However, in 2003, he pledged a return to poetic expression. To him, “poetry not only speaks from the soul but also from the spirit of a living God dwelling inside, who sometimes permits the soul to speak.”