Jim Wilkerson
About Jim
Jim Wilkerson is a poet and lifelong resident of Decatur, Illinois. Jim graduated from Mt. Zion High School and Millikin University where he majored in English/Writing. He published a book of poetry about his time at Millikin, entitled Millikin Poems: A Personal Look at College Life. You can also find his work in Distilled Lives, East on Central, Collage, TKE Today, More Big Thoughts, and Quill & Parchment.
Jim won 1st place in the 2023 Poetry Contest at the Winnetka Public Library.
Jim loves to write poetry that captures emotion and gives the reader an image or feeling that is not easily forgotten.
Michigan Dunes
The quiet lull of wind
Hanging, thick and moist, between two trees
The sun barely enters in
And the sound of violent water, racing,
But never quite reaching me with any notable strength
I am in the place
Where memories make their stand
Never to be shaken or disturbed
And as the water, rock, and sand start to blur,
The memory comes into focus
The last time we walked together, alone
You took me to the water’s edge
And showed me how to smile at fear
You showed me how to trust in our Maker
Even with your last, shallow breath
Still trusting
How can I ever do the same?
Even with your teaching, I feel so unprepared
All I want is to walk with you again
And yet, the warm, misty air reminds me
That if my lungs should take the same dark path
That you will be right around the corner, smiling
Because you know where I am headed
Contact Me
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
Phone: 217.433.4485