Maxine Kumin was an American poet, essayist, and novelist, born on June 6, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is known for her vivid imagery and exploration of nature, animals, and rural life. Kumin published numerous collections of poetry, including The Long Marriage and Where I Live, and received several prestigious awards, such as the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1973. In addition to her poetry, Kumin wrote essays and children's books, often drawing from her experiences on her farm in New Hampshire. She was a close friend of fellow poet Anne Sexton and was active in the literary community, serving as a mentor to many emerging writers. Kumin passed away on February 6, 2014.