Don Paterson covers a broad spectrum of themes and issues in his work. His talent as a musician is reflected in the rhythms of in his poetry which challenge the reader to ask questions about life.

Paterson uses the trip that two boys take on a bus to comment on the effects of growing up and explores loss of innocence and the ravaging effects of time.

In The Circle, Don Paterson reflects on his son drawing "outer space" to explore deeper themes about humanity and our place in the universe.

The Swing is a poem by Don Paterson about love and loss. The speaker builds a swing for his children, and whilst doing so considers the loss of an expected baby.

In this poem, Paterson reflects on his son's near-death at birth, saved by doctors who caught “the thread of his one breath.”

Don Paterson uses a sonnet form in the poem 'Waking with Russell' to explore the impact his new son has had on his life and the strength of the love he has for him.

This poem comes from a question asked of the poet by his young son. In response to the question, he wrote this poem and dedicated it to him.

Revise the set texts by Don Paterson with these interactive quizzes in preparation for your Higher English exam.