'A word appears . . . then another'

 

“My job as a human being as well asa writer is to feel as thoroughly as possible the experience that I am part of,and then press it a little further.” – JaneHirshfield

 

Born in New York City in 1953, poet,essayist, and translator Hirshfield was a member of the first class of women tograduate from Princeton University in 1973.  

 

Her 14 books of poetry – often referredto as “sensuous, insightful and clear” – have received numerous awards, led by GivenSugar, Given Salt, named as a finalist for the National Book Critics CircleAward, and After, shortlisted for the United Kingdom’s prestigiousT.S. Eliot Prize.  Her most recent book is2023’s The Asking:  New and SelectedPoems.  

 

”When I write, I don't know what isgoing to emerge,” she said.  “I begin ina condition of complete unknowing, an utter nakedness of concept or goal. Aword appears, another word appears, an image. It is a moving into mystery.”