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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 explore loss of innocence and the ravaging effects of time.

Paterson juxtaposes the demise of a football club and the death of a fighter pilot. Both situations confirm that our earthly efforts often lead to insignificance and obscurity.

In The Ferryman’s Arms, Don Paterson explores the themes of death and duality using a scenario where the speaker takes himself on at a game of pool.

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.

In this poem, Don Paterson uses the personal experience of watching his son drawing outer space to explore the wider concerns of what it is to be human.

This poem celebrates scenes that involve rain in films. Paterson moves from listing examples to a deeper enquiry into themes such as illusion v reality and fate and humanity.