Patti Smith Reflects on Poetry and Upcoming Performance at NJ Poetry Festival

Ahead of the festival, Smith shared her enduring love for poetry in an interview with New Jersey Monthly. She began reading poetry as a child, thanks to her mother, who provided her with books like A Child’s Garden of Verses. By age seven, she was captivated by the works of poets such as Yeats and Carl Sandburg. Smith expressed her admiration for the poet Rimbaud, whose work has inspired her throughout her life.

Her father also contributed to her appreciation of poetry, reciting works by Robert Burns and Kipling, which helped her understand the rhythm and cadence of poems. Although she sees songwriting and poetry as distinct forms, Smith acknowledges poetic elements in her songs, noting that while both overlap, poetry often emphasizes internal reflection compared to the external nature of songwriting.

Smith identifies primarily as a writer rather than a musician, stating that her recent work has focused more on prose, though her poetry roots remain present. She mentioned the influence of her childhood in New Jersey on her writing, describing it as a mix of happiness and imagination, despite facing health challenges and economic struggles.

Reflecting on her early success with Horses, released when she was 30, Smith noted her mother’s support and her father's reservations about her career path in music. Throughout her career, she has collaborated closely with fellow Jersey native Lenny Kaye, whom she met in the early ’70s, as they developed their artistic partnership during her poetry readings.

During the Dodge Poetry Festival, Smith plans to highlight poetry and the songs inspired by it, accompanied by colleagues, including Kaye, her daughter, and her son. This event represents a unique gathering of New Jersey talent, marking a special occasion at the festival.