Linda Pastan (1932–2023)
Author of Carnival Evening: New and Selected Poems 1968-1998
About the Author
Linda Pastan lives in Potomac, maryland.
Works by Linda Pastan
Associated Works
Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama (1995) — Contributor, some editions — 925 copies
When She Named Fire: An Anthology of Contemporary Poetry by American Women (1900) — Contributor — 11 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Other names
- Olenik, Linda B (birth)
- Birthdate
- 1932-05-27
- Date of death
- 2023-01-30
- Gender
- female
- Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- The Bronx, New York, USA
- Place of death
- Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
- Cause of death
- surgery, complications
- Places of residence
- The Bronx, New York, USA
Armonk, New York, USA
Potomac, Maryland, USA
Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA - Education
- Radcliffe College (BA)
Simmons University (MLS)
Brandeis University (MA) - Occupations
- poet
- Relationships
- Pastan, Rachel (daughter)
- Awards and honors
- Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize (2003)
Poet Laureate of Maryland (1991–1995)
Dylan Thomas Award
Pushcart Prize
Members
Reviews
Lists
Awards
You May Also Like
Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 27
- Also by
- 9
- Members
- 563
- Popularity
- #44,421
- Rating
- 3.9
- Reviews
- 14
- ISBNs
- 36
I found Ms Patan’s poems beautiful and accessible.
My brother attended his 50th high school reunion last year (mine is this year) and this poem perfectly sums up his experiences.
Class Notes
"My high school class of 1950
is disappearing over the edge
of the world– a snowless avalanche.
Rosalie of the pancake makeup;
Alex who outran us even towards death;
three Susans, two Davids, and a Roger.
When I see our class representative’s
name on an incoming email,
I think of how families must have felt
during World War II when they saw
the Western Union bicycle approaching.
And I remember all of us lining up
in gym class as captains chose their teams.
The line would dwindle until, on one leg
then the other, I was standing almost alone.
Maybe whoever is doing the choosing now
thinks I would be no good at dying."
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