Jim Harrison
Jim Harrison (1937–2016) was the bestselling author of nearly 40 books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. He is widely credited with reviving the novella form with the publication of Legends of the Fall. His work has been translated into two dozen languages, produced as four feature-length films, and a biography and documentary film about Harrison are forthcoming.
Poem: ‘Weeping Birds’
In his career spanning five decades, Jim Harrison found extraordinary ways to explore our intimate connections with nature—as he does in this short and moving piece.
Poem: ‘The Speed of Dark’
Haunting and perceptive, this work by Jim Harrison appears in Alta Journal’s Fall 2021 special supplement celebrating the late poet and his career.
Poem: ‘Ghosts’
In the final months of his life, Jim Harrison wrote poetry contemplating his own mortality and proximity to death, including this dedication to his friends.
Poem: ‘The Whisper’
Jim Harrison measures his life and soul after the death of his wife in this poem, written at the end of his life.
Poem: ‘She’
Jim Harrison grieves his wife’s death.
Poem: ‘Dog in the Tomb’
Jim Harrison was an artist, author, and poet. This piece, a recollection of a biblical dream, appears in Alta Journal’s Fall 2021 issue.
Poem: Untitled
In the most literal sense, these were poet Jim Harrison's final words.