Maxine Kumin

Maxine Kumin was a renowned American poet, fiction writer, and children's author who was widely known for her exceptional works in poetry. She won the Eunice Tietjens Memorial Prize for Poetry and the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her outstanding contribution to the world of literature. Born on June 6, 1925, in Germantown, Pennsylvania, Maxine was the daughter of a Reform rabbi, Solomon Livingstone Winokur, and his wife, Belle (Finkelstein) Winokur.

Maxine grew up with a keen interest in literature and writing. She attended Radcliffe College (now Harvard University), where she earned a degree in English in 1946. After graduation, she briefly worked as a teacher before pursuing her love for writing. She published her first poetry collection, Halfway, in 1961, which brought her critical acclaim and recognition. She followed it up with a children's book called Follow the Fall and a novel entitled Through Dooms of Love.

Maxine's poetry was known for its profound imagery and deeply rooted themes, reflecting her interest in nature, politics, and human relationships. She served as the United States Poet Laureate from 1981-1982 and wrote over 20 collections of poetry, including Still to Mow: Poems and Where I Live: New & Selected Poems.

Maxine's personality was characterized by her determination, resilience, and passion for writing. She was motivated to express herself through her work and shared her deepest thoughts and emotions with her readers. Her work was often drawn from her experiences and her genuine love for the natural world.

Before becoming famous, Maxine faced numerous challenges, including the loss of her friend and fellow poet, Anne Sexton, to suicide. She also suffered a severe horseback riding accident in 1998 that left her temporarily paraplegic. However, none of these setbacks deterred her from pursuing her passion for poetry.

In her personal life, Maxine married Victor Kumin in 1946, and together they raised two daughters and numerous horses on their farm in New Hampshire. Her husband, Victor, was a physicist and an accomplished poet himself. Maxine cherished her family life and found inspiration in the natural beauty of the land around her.

Maxine Kumin was associated with several renowned poets of her time, one of whom was her dear friend, Anne Sexton. She was admired by many and had a lasting impact on the literary world. Her death on February 6, 2014, at the age of 88, was deeply mourned by her family, friends, and the literary community. However, her influence and legacy continue to inspire countless aspiring writers to this day.