Shirley Kaufman was born on May 6, 1923, in Washington to Polish immigrant parents who had settled in Seattle. She grew up in a household that valued education and creativity, which would greatly influence her future career as a poet. Kaufman attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where she graduated in 1944 with a degree in English literature.
After completing her education, Kaufman began her career as a poet, publishing several collections of poetry that would garner her critical acclaim. Some of her most well-known works include Rivers of Salt, Gold Country, and The Floor Keeps Turning. In 1979, she was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship in recognition of her contributions to the literary world.
Kaufman married Dr. Bernard Kaufman, Jr., with whom she had three children. Their marriage was a source of support and inspiration for her as she navigated the challenges of balancing her writing career with her family life. After Dr. Kaufman's passing, she later remarried to Hillel Matthew Daleski.
Shirley Kaufman's poetry continues to resonate with readers around the world, exploring themes of identity, memory, and loss. Her unique voice and perspective have solidified her place in the literary canon, inspiring future generations of writers to express themselves authentically and fearlessly.
Despite being born in Washington, Kaufman spent much of her adult life in California, where she attended San Francisco State University alongside fellow poet Jack Gilbert. This period of her life would shape her artistic development and provide her with a supportive community of writers and artists.
In her later years, Kaufman continued to write and publish poetry, cementing her reputation as a celebrated and influential poet. She passed away on [date of death], leaving behind a legacy of poignant and thought-provoking work that will stand the test of time.