Take a trip with us through time and explore some of the best-known poets that have come out of our beloved state, Connecticut. Whether it’s going back to colonial times or up to current-day authors, our list has something for everyone!
Many people may not know this, but there is an impressive history of established poets who originated in Connecticut – names you likely recognize such as Mark Twain and Wallace Stevens.
Come along on a journey with us as we discover Connecticut’s hidden gems and uncover the story behind their works!
Related: For more, check out our article on Poems About Connecticut here.
Marilyn Nelson
Marilyn Nelson, a prolific poet from Cleveland, Ohio, later moved to Connecticut and taught at the University of Connecticut. She is recognized for her poem “A Wreath for Emmett Till.” Nelson’s work often explores African American history, personal experiences, and social issues. She favors traditional poetic forms, including sonnets, to convey deep emotional truths.
Lemuel Hopkins (1750–1801)
Lemuel Hopkins, a poet from Waterbury, Connecticut, is known for his satirical poem “The Guillotina.” His work often reflected political events of his time, particularly those related to the American Revolution. Hopkins favored writing in rhymed verse, using wit and humor to express his thoughts.
John Hollander (1929–2013)
John Hollander, born in New York City, later made New Haven, Connecticut, his home. He is remembered for his poem “An Old-Fashioned Song.” Hollander’s poetry was inspired by his love for music and his interest in formal structures. He often wrote in traditional poetic forms, utilizing intricate rhyme schemes and meter.
Ravi Shankar
Ravi Shankar, a poet based in Brooklyn, New York, but having ties to California, is celebrated for his poem “Lines on a Skull.” His work is deeply influenced by his multicultural background, personal experiences, and philosophical inquiries. Shankar often employs free verse, using evocative imagery and a lyrical style.
James Gates Percival (1795–1856)
James Gates Percival, a poet from Berlin, Connecticut, is recognized for his poem “Coral Grove.” His work was largely inspired by his love for nature and his scientific background. Percival often wrote in traditional poetic forms, using rhythm and meter to create a musical quality in his work.
Anna Hempstead Branch (1875–1937)
Anna Hempstead Branch, a poet from New London, Connecticut, is known for her poem “The Shoes That Danced.” Her poetry often explores themes of femininity, spirituality, and nature. Branch’s preferred style was lyrical poetry, using rich imagery and emotive language to connect with readers.
Leo Connellan (1928–2001)
Leo Connellan, a poet from Maine who later settled in Connecticut, is remembered for his poem “Crossing America.” His work is deeply rooted in his experiences of working-class life and the American landscape. Connellan often wrote in free verse, using a narrative style to tell compelling stories.
J. D. McClatchy (1945–2018)
J. D. McClatchy, a poet from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, later moved to Stonington, Connecticut. He is celebrated for his poem “My Mammogram.” McClatchy’s work often explores themes of love, loss, and the human body. He favored writing in formal verse, utilizing traditional structures and forms to explore contemporary themes.
Jose B. Gonzalez
Jose B. Gonzalez, a poet from El Salvador who now resides in New London, Connecticut, is known for his poem “The Wind Shifts.” His work is heavily influenced by his experiences as an immigrant and his Hispanic heritage. Gonzalez often writes in free verse, using vivid imagery and a strong narrative voice to share his perspective.
Chase Twichell
Chase Twichell is a contemporary poet from New Haven, Connecticut, who later moved to upstate New York. She is known for her poem “Clear Morning.” Her poetry often explores themes of Buddhism, nature, and the human mind. Drawing from her personal experiences and spiritual journey, Twichell writes primarily in free verse, creating a balance between thought and emotion.
Rosanna Warren
Rosanna Warren, a poet born in Fairfield, Connecticut, is celebrated for her poem “Lake Music.” Her work often delves into themes of love, loss, and the natural world. Inspired by her surroundings and personal experiences, Warren favors lyric poetry, using evocative language and rich imagery.
Lindley Williams Hubbell (1901–1994)
Lindley Williams Hubbell, a poet from Los Angeles, California, is remembered for his poem “The Burning Bush.” His work was largely inspired by his love for nature and his fascination with mythology. Hubbell often wrote in traditional poetic forms, utilizing rhythm and meter to create a musical quality in his work.
Caroline Fitzgerald (1865–1911)
Caroline Fitzgerald, a poet from San Francisco, is known for her poem “The Last Visit to Italy.” Her poetry often reflects her travels and experiences living abroad. Fitzgerald’s preferred style was lyrical poetry, using rich imagery and emotive language to connect with readers.
Constance Carrier (1908–1991)
Constance Carrier, a poet from Hartford, Connecticut, is recognized for her poem “The Middle Voice.” Her work was often inspired by her love for classical literature and her observations of the modern world. Carrier favored writing in formal verse, creating structured, thoughtful pieces.
George Abbe (1911–1989)
George Abbe, a poet hailing from Somers, Connecticut, is remembered for his poem “The Pequot’s Complaint.” His work often explored themes related to Native American history and rural life. Abbe typically wrote in free verse, using vivid imagery and a strong narrative voice.
Jennifer K. Sweeney
Jennifer K. Sweeney, a contemporary poet based in Redlands, California, is celebrated for her poem “How to Uproot a Tree.” Her work is deeply influenced by her interactions with nature, personal relationships, and the nuances of everyday life. Sweeney often writes in free verse, using evocative imagery to convey complex emotions.
Jeffrey Levine
Jeffrey Levine, a poet from New York City who later moved to California, is known for his poem “Truth in the Cave of Echoes.” His poetry often explores themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of art. Levine favors a blend of lyric and narrative poetry, using a conversational tone to convey deep emotional truths.
Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)
Wallace Stevens, a poet born in Reading, Pennsylvania, later made Hartford, Connecticut, his home. He is renowned for his poem “The Emperor of Ice-Cream.” Stevens’ work often delved into philosophical inquiries about reality, imagination, and the nature of poetry. He frequently wrote in blank verse, appreciating its flexibility and rhythm.
Connecticut has produced some of the country’s most renowned and talented poets. Whether it be Jabez Fox, Wallace Stevens, or Elizabeth Bishop, these writers have contributed greatly to the canon of American poetry by bringing unique styles and perspectives to their work.
Poetry from Connecticut has gained recognition across the nation, making its mark on literature, culture, and society in ways that will continue to extend far into the future.
While there are certainly many more famous poets that we could have named here, we hope that this article has inspired you to explore more of the great works created by special talents like those we’ve highlighted today.
If you’ve enjoyed reading about these impressive writers from Connecticut, be sure to check out our other articles for more interesting information about famous poets from around the world!
