Carolyn Kizer

About the Author

Carolyn Kizer was a distinguished American poet, essayist, and translator whose work profoundly influenced modern literature. Born in Spokane, Washington, in 1925, she studied at Sarah Lawrence College and Barnard College before embarking on a career that blended sharp wit, feminist insight, and a deep appreciation for global traditions. Kizer served as Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress from 1984 to 1990 and was a founding member of the influential Poetry Society of America. Her poetry often explored themes of gender, nature, and cultural displacement, earning her the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1985 for Yin. Throughout her life, she championed emerging voices and translated works from Chinese and other languages, leaving a legacy of eloquent, unflinching verse that continues to resonate with readers worldwide.