Jason Shinder (1955–2008) was an American poet who authored three books and founded the YMCA National Writer's Voice.
[2] He published his first literary work in 1993, with the release of Every Room We Ever Slept In, which became a New York Public Library Notable Book.
[3] In addition to founding and directing the National Writer's Voice, Shinder also served as director of the Sundance Institute Writing Program, as a teacher in the graduate writing program at Bennington College, and as a graduate teacher at New School University.
"Cancer is a tremendous opportunity," he said, philosophically, "to have your face pressed right up against the glass of your mortality."
In his brief poem "Company," he writes: I've been avoiding my illness because I'm afraid I will die and when I do, I'll end up alone again.