Josephine Jacobsen

Josephine Jacobsen (August 19, 1908 – July 9, 2003) was an American poet, short story writer, and critic. She served as Poet Laureate of the United States 1971–1973.

Quotes

• I may,
  if I can,
  sleep; since I must,
  die.
  Some say,
  rise.
  • "The Monosyllable" lines 15–20, The Chinese Insomniacs: New Poems, 1981, University of Pennsylvania Press, ISBN 0812278186

• The ancient usual retreat
  Takes down the steps the scattering horde;
  Adam again has met defeat,
  Has missed connections with the Lord.

  But where the altar-candles die
  Waits God, and in a corner prays
  The last of heroes who will try
  The Gate again in seven days.

  • "Non Sum Dignus" st. 4–5, In the Crevice of Time: New and Collected Poems, 1995, Johns Hopkins University Press, ISBN 0801851165

External links

• Josephine Jacobsen poems in Mezzo Cammin, Vol. 2, No. 2 (Winter 2007)