Marilyn Nelson, a renowned poet, translator, and author, has carved a distinguished place for herself in the literary world through her versatile and thought-provoking works. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 26, 1946, Nelson’s passion for literature and writing was evident from an early age. As the daughter of a U.S. Air Force officer, she spent her formative years traveling and living in various places around the world. This exposure to diverse cultures and experiences greatly influenced her literary career, allowing her to craft rich and vivid narratives that resonate with readers from all walks of life.
Marilyn Nelson’s expertise as a poet is showcased in her numerous collections of poetry, which often delve into themes of history, race, and identity. With a keen eye for detail and an unmatched ability to weave emotion into her words, Nelson’s poetry has garnered her several accolades and awards, including the prestigious Frost Medal, bestowed upon her in 2012 by the Poetry Society of America. In addition to her work as a poet, Nelson has also proven her prowess as a translator, helping to bring the works of other authors to a wider audience through her skillful renditions.
As an author, Marilyn Nelson has contributed significantly to the literary world through her various writings, which include children’s books, essays, and memoirs. Her ability to captivate readers of all ages and backgrounds speaks to her exceptional talent as a storyteller. Throughout her career, Nelson has been recognized for her contributions to literature with numerous honors, including being named a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets and receiving fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Marilyn Nelson’s impact on the literary world extends beyond her own works, as she has also been a dedicated educator and mentor to aspiring writers. As a professor emerita of English at the University of Connecticut, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of poets and authors. Furthermore, Nelson co-founded Soul Mountain Retreat, a writer’s colony aimed at nurturing and supporting the creative endeavors of others.
Marilyn Nelson stands as a testament to the power of the written word, her contributions as a poet, translator, and author leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Her ability to skillfully explore complex themes and create evocative narratives has solidified her position as a leading figure in the realm of modern literature. As both an accomplished writer and devoted mentor, Marilyn Nelson’s legacy is one that will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence the literary world for generations to come.
Bedside Reading
for St. Mark’s Episcopal, Good Friday 1999
In his careful welter of dried leaves and seeds,
soil samples, quartz pebbles, notes-to-myself, letters,
on Dr. Carver’s bedside table
next to his pocket watch,
folded in Aunt Mariah’s Bible:
the Bill of Sale.
Seven hundred dollars
for a thirteen-year-old girl named Mary.
He moves it from passage
to favorite passage.
Fifteen cents
for every day she had lived.
Three hundred fifty dollars
for each son.
No charge
for two stillborn daughters
buried out there with the Carvers’ child.
This new incandescent light makes
his evening’s reading unwaveringly easy,
if he remembers to wipe his spectacles.
He turns to the blossoming story
of Abraham’s dumbstruck luck,
of Isaac’s pure trust in his father’s wisdom.
Seven hundred dollars for all of her future.
He shakes his head.
-Marilyn Nelson
Curated by Jennifer
