Stanley Kunitz is 100 Years Old

Poet and master gardener Stanley Kunitz is 100 years old. I am reading his book about poetry and gardening entited THE WILD BRAID, which was just published for his birthday.

Stanley was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, and there is a great organization there called the Worcester County Poetry Association which nurtured me when I was beginning to become a poet. They have just honored him, and The Worcester Review has published a number of poems and remembrances in his honor.

Apparently he used to arrive at gatherings with a jar of pre-made martinis to share. And at 95 years old after a poetry reading he gave, he insisted on going dancing till the wee hours. Of course he was also a teacher and mentor to many poets, and created a fabulous garden at his summer home in Provincetown, on Cape Cod.

What a guy. What a large, generous spirit. I would like to be like him, as would many.

My next martini I'll raise to you, Stanley. Happy Birthday. Thank you for your extraordinary poems and life.