About me
terry jacobus
The story of
Terry Jacobus
I’m Terry Jacobus – a writer and poet, and religious book author based in the US. I’ve always been drawn to the power of language and the way words can create meaning and emotion. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft through various projects and collaborations. I’m the author of several books, including The Simple Ballad, Fine, Souvenir, and Lotus and Poems – a collection I wrote in partnership with the talented Swiss artist Petra Blum. You may also know my writing from the widely acclaimed textbook Spoken Word Revolution.
One of the projects I’m most proud of is “Poetry Bouts,” a format of poetic competitions that I created with fellow writer Al Simmons. These bouts pitted one poet’s work against another, and they quickly gained popularity in the Chicago poetry scene. Soon enough, they were being performed outside of Chicago and even nationally, becoming the anchor attraction to the 10-day “Poetry Circus” sponsored by SOMOS.
I was the first Spoken Word poetry champ, defeating “beatnik” Gregory Corso in 1982. As a writer, I strive to capture the essence of life and humanity through my words. My work often explores themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the natural world. I believe that poetry and literature have the power to transform and heal, and I’m passionate about sharing this message with others. ‘Book of God’ has also helped me establish myself as one of the renowned religious book authors. Whether I’m crafting a new poem or working on a novel, I’m always seeking to push the boundaries of my creativity and expression.
Chicago poet Terry Jacobus takes us on a delightful trip through the byways of the universe where God can be "cosmic music/ resonating in continuous harmony/ throughout hyperspace" or more literally, playing baseball with the planet, "sending spirit angels/over immortal fences." A master of the aphoristic form-the lines are centered and short so the words hang in space-these musings will make you laugh out loud but also move you with their insight and sudden beauty.
