Jane Kenyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jane Kenyon
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| Born | May 23, 1947 Ann Arbor, Michigan United States |
| Died | April 22, 1995 (aged 47) Wilmot, New Hampshire United States |
| Occupation | Poet, translator |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
| Spouse | |
Jane Kenyon (May 23, 1947 – April 22, 1995) was an American poet and translator. Her poems are known for being clear, simple, and full of feeling. Jane was the second wife of the poet, editor, and critic Donald Hall. He often wrote about her in his own poems.
Contents
Jane Kenyon's Early Life and Education
Jane Kenyon was born in 1947 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She grew up in the central United States. She went to the University of Michigan. There, she earned her first degree in 1970 and a master's degree in 1972. While at the university, she won a special writing prize called the Hopwood Award.
Meeting Donald Hall and Moving to New Hampshire
As a student, Jane met the poet Donald Hall. He was much older than her, but they fell in love. They got married in 1972. After marrying, they moved to Donald's old family home. This home was in Wilmot, New Hampshire.
Poet Laureate and Passing Away
Jane Kenyon became New Hampshire's official poet laureate. This means she was recognized as the state's most important poet. Sadly, Jane passed away on April 22, 1995. She died from a serious illness called leukemia.
Jane Kenyon's Career as a Poet
Jane Kenyon published four collections of her poems during her life. These books were From Room to Room (1978), The Boat of Quiet Hours (1986), Let Evening Come (1990), and Constance (1993). Most of her books were published by Graywolf Press.
Translating Poems
Jane also spent several years translating poems. She translated the poems of Anna Akhmatova from Russian into English. Jane believed that translation was a very important art. She thought every poet should try it.
Themes in Her Poetry
Kenyon's poems often show pictures of country life. She wrote about light shining in a barn or fields in winter. She also wrote about her personal struggles and feelings. Her poem "Having it out with Melancholy" describes how she dealt with sadness. She also wrote for Columbia: A Journal of Literature and Art.
Later Works and Legacy
Before she passed away, Jane was working on a collection of her poems. This book was called Otherwise: New and Selected Poems. Today, Jane Kenyon's writings are kept safe. Her original manuscripts, journals, and notebooks are at the University of New Hampshire Library.
Awards and Recognition
- 1994 PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry
