Most influential American Poet WS-Merwin in Perreault Magazine

William Stanley Merwin is one of the most influential and honored poets in modern American history. He is also a man who has dedicated his energies and passions into the preservation of the environment and rainforests of Maui, all the while maintaining a disciplined schedule for his writing. Born in 1927, Merwin is credited with over fifty books of poetry and a multitude of accolades and awards, including the designation of U.S . Poet Laureate in 2010 and twice winning the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (2009 and 1971).In the 1960’s, Merwin began to write poetry without punctuation. He has been quoted as saying he does not use punctuation because “the mind does not think in punctuation.” His writing often reflected American themes, and also became more autobiographical around this time. The Lice (1967) drew attention not only for its anti-Vietnam War allegories, but also introduced Merwin’s passion for environmentalism, a theme which would permeate his work throughout his career. In 1970, Merwin won the Pulitzer Prize for his collection The Carrier of Ladders. Merwin donated the prize money from his Pulitzer to the anti-war movement. In addition to his poetry, Merwin is known for his translations, books, prose, plays, short stories and two memoirs. Merwin is recognized as one of the principal contributors to poetry in the early 21^st century.

Most recently, Mr. Merwin received The 2015 Good Steward Award, given to one individual from around the country annually by The Arbor Day

Foundation. This award recognizes landowners and organizations whose

creativity, outlook, and accomplishments exemplify wise stewardship practices and sustainability on private land from which others can learn. (The Arbor Day

Foundation’s mission is to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.)