Galway Kinnell
Galway Kinnell
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
---------------------------
Galway Kinnell was born on June 1, 1927, in Providence, Rhode Island. He is often referred to by his first name, Galway.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born: June 1, 1927
Died: March 23, 2014
Nationality and Profession(s)
---------------------------------
Kinnell was an American poet of Irish descent. His profession as a writer spanned over six decades, earning him numerous accolades for his work.
Early Life and Background
-------------------------------
Growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, Kinnell developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. He spent much of his childhood exploring the woods and coastlines of New England, experiences that would later influence his writing. After serving in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, Kinnell attended Princeton University, where he studied English literature.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Kinnell's poetry career was marked by numerous awards and honors. Some notable achievements include:
Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1983) for his collection _Body Rags_
National Book Award nomination (1960) for his collection _What a World_
Guggenheim Fellowship (1974, 1992)
NEA Fellowship in Creative Writing (1958)
Notable Works or Actions
------------------------------
Some of Kinnell's most notable works include:
"The Avenue Bearing the Initials of a Former Poet" (from _Body Rags_, 1983) - a meditation on the intersection of personal and public identity
"A Song for Myself" (from _What a World_, 1960) - an exploration of self-discovery through nature imagery
In addition to his writing, Kinnell was also involved in various social causes. He advocated for peace activism and spoke out against racism, embodying the role of the poet as a public voice.
Impact and Legacy
----------------------
Galway Kinnell's impact on American poetry is undeniable. His work has influenced generations of poets and writers. Through his exploration of themes such as identity, nature, and social justice, he expanded the scope of what poetry can do.
Kinnell's legacy extends beyond the literary world as well. He was a devoted teacher and mentor, inspiring countless students through his work at universities like New York University and Boston College. His commitment to using poetry as a force for change continues to inspire readers today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
-----------------------------------------
Galway Kinnell's enduring presence in literary circles is due in part to his remarkable body of work, which consistently pushed the boundaries of language and form. However, it is also his dedication to using poetry as a means for personal reflection and public engagement that has made him so widely remembered.
His words offer readers a glimpse into the human experience, inviting us to contemplate our place within the natural world and our responsibilities to one another. As such, Galway Kinnell remains an essential figure in American literary history, his work continuing to resonate with readers long after his passing.
Quotes by Galway Kinnell
That's the way it is with poetry: When it is incomprehensible it seems profound, and when you understand it, it is only ridiculous.
I start off but I don’t know where I’m going; I try this avenue and that avenue, that turns out to be a dead end, this is a dead end, and so on. The search takes a long time and I have to back-track often.
There are two versions to every poem – the crying version and the straight version.
Little sleep’s-head sprouting hair in the moonlight, when I come back we will go out together, we will walk out together among, the ten thousand things, each scratched too late with such knowledge, the wages of dying is love.
To me, poetry is somebody standing up, so to speak, and saying, with as little concealment as possible, what it is for him or her to be on earth at this moment.