Meet Jay Rafferty, an evocative poet whose recent endeavours have marked a bold shift towards crafting longer, more substantial lines—a leap that Jay describes as “terrifying yet exhilarating.” Once characterised by their concise structure, Jay’s poetry has matured into a richer tapestry, interweaving complex themes of religious imagery and societal inequality. His commitment to exploring these motifs with depth and sincerity remains unwavering.
Jay has a profound appreciation for love as a literary theme, often overlooked due to its clichéd representations. Inspired by poets like Carol Ann Duffy and Pablo Neruda, whom he discovered during his formative years, Jay strives to approach love with a fresh honesty, attempting to capture its essence without succumbing to trite expressions. This pursuit has become a central pillar of his poetic identity.
One of Jay’s greatest concerns has been the temptation of cultural stereotypes, particularly the trope of ‘Stage-Irishness’ which he fears might overshadow genuine cultural expression. After recognising this tendency in his earlier works, Jay cautiously revisited these themes, ensuring his approach is both respectful and authentic.
Jay’s creative process is notably introspective and spontaneous. He keeps a digital notebook—a reservoir of phrases, images, and words that strike him, which may sit untouched for months. This repository allows his creativity to flourish organically, without forcing the poetic form, leading to bursts of prolific writing when inspiration aligns. His reflections on ecology and personal memories often serve as a springboard for deeper poetic exploration.
A significant source of inspiration for Jay comes from his partner, Manson Wehde, whose insights and encouragement are invaluable. Travel also plays a crucial role in stimulating Jay’s creativity, providing new environments that fuel his imagination, whether a short journey nearby or a flight across continents.
Jay prefers the flexibility of writing on his mobile phone, using a notes app that liberates him from the daunting blankness of a traditional page. This method supports his dynamic writing style, allowing him to edit and revise on the go, ensuring that his poetic expressions are as fluid and immediate as his thoughts.
In his work, Jay confronts challenging emotions and truths, a process he finds essential for authenticity in poetry. He believes that confronting these difficult truths is not only cathartic but also crucial to creating impactful art.
Jay Rafferty’s contributions to literature, including works like Holy Things and Strange Magic, as well as his regular features in Daily Drunk Magazine, highlight his evolution as a poet and his continuous pursuit of authenticity and depth in poetry. His dedication to refining his voice and thematic exploration invites readers to a profound journey through the landscapes of human emotion and experience. Jay’s most recent publication is All That’s Between Us Is Time.
‘To sleep alone, without you, is not to sleep at all.’
Jay Rafferty, Insomniac Research
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The Broken Spine is a poetry and arts collective proudly published on the coastal edge of North-West England. Founded in 2019 by Alan Parry and Paul Robert Mullen – two school friends reunited after twenty years through a mutual love of poetry.
