born May 25, 1908, Saginaw, Mich., U.S.
died Aug. 1, 1963, Bainbridge Island, Wash.
U.S. poet.
He was educated at the University of Michigan and Harvard University. He later taught at several colleges and universities, notably the University of Washington (1947–63). His verse, characterized by introspection and intense lyricism, is collected in volumes such as Open House (1941), The Waking (1953, Pulitzer Prize), Words for the Wind (1957, Bollingen Prize, National Book Award), and The Far Field (1964, National Book Award). His later career was interrupted by hospitalizations for manic depression.