Poetry Discussion with Janet Krauss: The Poetry of Ruth Stone (Zoom)

Join Wilton Library online with Janet Krauss leading a discussion of a selection of Ruth Stone’s poems. Links to the poems and discussion questions will be emailed in advance of the program.

As quoted in Poetry Foundation, “Ruth Stone’s lyrics are known for their accuracy, strangeness, and ability to speak to domestic concerns and metaphysical problems at once.” Her poems clearly flow forth from the pain, loss, and poverty she endured.

Stone’s husband, poet Walter Stone, committed suicide and left her with their three young children. “Shock and grief of her loss infused her poetry the rest of her life.”

Stone lived in a rural farmhouse in Vermont for much of her life. Her granddaughter Bianca subsequently established Stone’s simple, farmhouse home as a poet’s residence after her death. During her later years, Stone received wide recognition with the publication of her book of poems Ordinary Words (1999). Several more acclaimed books followed. She was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and secured a professorship of English in 1990 at SUNY Binghamton, receiving numerous prestigious awards.

Writing poems was a saving grace for Stone. When inspired, she indeed expressed that she “felt a poem coming like a horse galloping towards her and had to catch it – if not….”

Explore the ideas above in the beginning of an introduction to Stone.

Krauss, who has two books of poetry published, Borrowed Scenery, Yuganta Press, and Through the Trees of Autumn, Spartina Press, has recently retired from teaching English at Fairfield University.

There is no charge for this program. Advance registration is required. Register online to receive the Zoom session invitation link, and readings packet.