Cohen's early life had much to do with the way he writes.

Cohen (Kohen) had a trust income from his father's estate, which allowed him to pursue his varied interests.
He received a degree from McGill University, where he published his first book of poetry while an undergraduate. While there, he was president of the Debating Society. He then studied law, and attended Columbia University for one year. In the 1990s he spent several years in a Buddhist monastery.
He has published prose books as well as poetry.
He lists several literary influences- Irving Layton (a friend from high school days), Henry Miller, Walt Whitman, Frederico Garcia Lorca.

His latest book, Book of Longing, published in 2006, contains prose, poetry, and is illustrated by his drawings.

December performance dates are in Vancouver, Oakland CA. and Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.