Celia Thaxter, born on June 29, 1835, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was a renowned American poet known for her beautiful nature poems such as "The Sandpiper," "The Kingfisher," and "The Great White Owl." She was a prominent member of the nineteenth-century New England literary scene, leaving a lasting impact on the world of poetry.
Thaxter's father was a lighthouse keeper, and she spent her childhood on the Isles of Shoals near Maine and New Hampshire. Growing up surrounded by the beauty of nature, it's no wonder that she developed a deep love for the natural world, which would later inspire her poetry.
During the early years of her career, Thaxter published poems in The Atlantic Monthly, quickly gaining recognition for her talent and unique lyrical voice. Her poems often explored themes of nature, love, and the passage of time, drawing readers in with their emotional depth and vivid imagery.
Thaxter was a close friend of the renowned painter William Morris Hunt, whose tragic suicide in 1879 deeply affected her. She was the one to find Hunt's body, a traumatic experience that left a lasting mark on her. Despite this tragedy, Thaxter continued to pour her emotions into her poetry, using her words to express her grief and find solace.
Thaxter was also known for her role as a hostess in her father's Maine hotel, which attracted many prominent authors of the time, including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Through her interactions with these literary figures, she was able to cultivate her own unique style and voice, solidifying her place in the literary world.
Thaxter was married to Levi Thaxter and together they had a son named Roland. Despite the demands of motherhood, she continued to write and publish poetry, juggling her roles as a wife, mother, and poet with grace and skill.
Throughout her career, Thaxter remained true to her love of nature, infusing her poems with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around her. Her works continue to be treasured by readers today, standing as a testament to her talent and enduring legacy.
Celia Thaxter's poetry serves as a reminder of the beauty and power of the natural world, inspiring readers to see the world with fresh eyes and appreciate the wonders of the earth. Her legacy lives on in her timeless poems, which continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
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