Koethe has stated that the inspiration for many of his poems comes "in the shower, and while I'm shaving."
He has said he loves living in Wisconsin, and that he finds the state beautiful.
He has titled several of his poems after places in his hometown of Milwaukee, including "Hackett Avenue."

As influences on his poetry, he identifies several people, including famed writers William Wordsworth and Marcel Proust.
Koethe has stated that the inspiration for many of his poems comes "in the shower, and while I'm shaving." He has said he loves living in Wisconsin, and that he finds the state beautiful. He has titled several of his poems after places in his hometown of Milwaukee, including "Hackett Avenue."
As influences on his poetry, he identifies several people, including famed writers William Wordsworth and Marcel Proust.
John Koethe