Mark Doty is an American poet, memoirist, and essayist known for his lyrical and emotional writing style. Born on July 10, 1953, in Maryville, Tennessee, he has published numerous collections of poetry, including My Alexandria and Fire to Fire, which won the National Book Award for Poetry in 2008. His work often explores themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the natural world. In addition to poetry, Doty has written acclaimed memoirs, such as Heaven's Coast, which reflects on his experiences with grief and the death of his partner. He has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Whiting Award and the James Laughlin Award. Doty's contributions to literature have made him a significant figure in contemporary American poetry.