William Stafford was an American poet born on January 17, 1914, in Hutchinson, Kansas. He became known for his accessible and contemplative poetry, often reflecting on nature, human experience, and the passage of time. Stafford published numerous collections, including Traveling Through the Dark and The Way It Is, which earned him critical acclaim and several awards. Stafford served as the Poet Laureate of Oregon from 1975 to 1990. He was also a dedicated teacher, influencing many students through his work at various universities. His commitment to writing and teaching left a lasting impact on the literary community.