William Jay Smith

Poet

Birthday April 22, 1918

Birth Sign Taurus

Birthplace Louisiana

DEATH DATE Aug 18, 2015 (97)

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About

Poet, children's author, and former U.S. Poet Laureate who is known for The World Below the Window, Celebration at Dark, and other poetic works. His poetry collections for children include Boy Blue's Book of Beasts and Ho for a Hat!

Before Fame

He studied at Washington University, Columbia University, and Oxford University. He was the 1945 recipient of the Young Poets Prize.

Trivia

He was a two-time finalist for the National Book Award in poetry.

Family Life

He was married to fellow poet Barbara Howes for nearly twenty years. The couple raised two children.

Associated With

He and Latino-American author Benjamin Saenz both wrote poetry and children's literature.