Jack Aaron Hirschman

Jack Hirschman was committed to the art and craft of poetry his entire life. His was a world voice felt by poets and lovers of literature everywhere. His words resonate with that of Pablo Neruda, Pier Paulo Pasolini, Vladimir Mayakovsky and other innovators. He spoke to our shared humanity with courage and grace. His dream was always of a planet united in recognition of each person’s uniqueness and creativity.

Over the past few days tributes were taking place on every continent in memory of this great poet. In his life he was one of the most prolific writers because he could never put the pen down. His legacy will only grow stronger as the years pass. We need his spirit and love for language to inspire us all.

Jack was born in the Bronx in 1933 received his PhD from the University of Indiana, taught for a few years and then hit the open road, never looking back. That is the independence he hoped for every young poet and indeed for all of us. He remained exuberant and life affirming his entire 87 years of life. It was not possible to be near him without feeling that excitement that he exhibited in his writing and in his presence. He was married to the Swedish-born poet and painter Agneta Falk.