Ellen Bass
Ellen Bass: A Life Dedicated to Poetry and Empowerment
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ellen Bass is an American poet known professionally as Ellen Bass.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on December 9, 1946. Currently active in her literary career.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Professions: Poet, Writer, Teacher
Early Life and Background
Ellen Bass was born in San Francisco, California, to a family that valued art and literature. Her early life was marked by a deep connection with nature, which would later influence her poetry. She grew up in a world where women's voices were often silenced, but her parents encouraged her to express herself freely.
As she navigated adolescence, Bass found solace in writing as a means of self-expression. This natural talent led her to pursue a degree in English literature from San Francisco State University. Her academic background not only honed her writing skills but also instilled in her a sense of social responsibility.
Major Accomplishments
Ellen Bass's poetry career spans over four decades, during which she has published numerous collections that have garnered critical acclaim and readership. Some of her notable works include:
- The Human Line: A collection that explores themes of love, family, and the human condition.
- Like a Sin: A book that delves into topics such as identity, spirituality, and relationships.
Bass's poetry is characterized by its accessibility, depth, and ability to resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds. Her work has been praised for its honest portrayal of life's complexities and her commitment to the truth.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her published works, Bass has made significant contributions through her teaching and advocacy for women's rights and LGBTQ+ issues. She has taught poetry workshops at various institutions and has used her platform to promote the work of emerging poets.
One of her most notable actions was co-founding The Poetry Connection, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing poetry into the lives of people who may not have access to it otherwise. This initiative reflects Bass's dedication to making literature accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic background or geographical location.
Impact and Legacy
Ellen Bass has had a profound impact on the literary world through her poetry and her commitment to empowering voices often marginalized. Her work transcends genres, speaking directly to readers about universal themes such as love, loss, and personal growth.
Her legacy extends beyond her published works. Through her teaching and advocacy, she has inspired countless individuals to explore their creativity and engage with literature in meaningful ways. By promoting poetry as a tool for self-expression and healing, Bass has contributed significantly to the literary landscape of her time.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ellen Bass is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
- Accessibility: Her poetry makes complex emotions and experiences accessible to readers from all walks of life.
- Honesty: She writes about life's difficult truths with a depth that resonates deeply with her audience.
- Commitment to Social Justice: Through her teaching, advocacy, and writing, Bass has consistently worked towards creating a more just and inclusive society.
Her legacy is a testament to the power of poetry as both art form and tool for social change. As an advocate for women's voices and LGBTQ+ rights, Bass continues to inspire new generations with her work and her dedication to the craft of poetry.
Quotes by Ellen Bass
Ellen Bass's insights on:
The truth about our childhood is stored up in our body, and although we can repress it, we can never alter it. Our intellect can be deceived, our feelings manipulated, our perceptions confused, and our body tricked with medication. But someday the body will present its bill, for it is as incorruptible as a child who, still whole in spirit, will accept no compromises or excuses, and it will not stop tormenting us until we stop evading the truth.
You can look at my life and say there’ve been some real tragedies, and there have been. But there’ve also been some exquisitely beautiful times. To me, those far outweigh the others.
You have the right to set ground rules. This means deciding if, when, and how you want to see the people in your family. Many survivors feel that if they open up the channels at all, they have to open them up all the way. When you were a child you had two options – to trust or not to trust. Your options are broader now.
One woman was sure that her father would appear on her front steps and try to kill her. In actuality, he hid from her after that, avoiding her totally. He was scared of her. You may not realize it, but you hold a lot of power when you tell the truth.
Garrison Keillor read several of my poems on ‘The Writer’s Almanac’ and I’ve heard from listeners nationally and internationally. That’s one of the great gifts of email.
A dread that something bad was waiting for me has followed me most of my life. I have a morbid fear of the dark. I will never close my eyes in the shower. There are parts of my own house I am just beginning to go into.
Until lions start writing down their own stories, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter.” – AFRICAN PROVERB.
I think many people love poetry who don’t know they love it. People are sometimes afraid of poetry, or they’ve been introduced to poetry that doesn’t speak to them.
Survivors are often good at both resolving and generating crisis. While this capacity to handle crisis can make you a good emergency room worker or ambulance driver, it can also be a way for you to keep yourself from feeling. If you are addicted to intensity and drama... you may be running from yourself.