hall, donald

Provides analysis of the most frequently studied poems in literature courses. Contains author biography (if attributed), poem text, poem summary, themes, style, historical context, critical overview, and criticism.

Twelve-year-old Donnie takes the train to visit his grandparents on the farm at Eagle Pond, where Gramp milks the cows and entertains his grandson by speaking rhymed pieces; Donnie's eyes are drawn to an empty stall that houses a graceful, cobwebby sleigh that no one uses anymore, and when the gifts are exchanged and the remains of the Christmas feast put away, the air becomes heavy with fine snowflakes and everyone wonders, how will Donnie get back to his parents on time.

Former United States poet laureate Donald Hall reflects on his life, discussing his childhood in Connecticut, the works that influenced him, his education, his success and failures as a writer and father, his friendships, and other related topics.

Examines the lives of twentieth-century American poets, focusing on Donald Hall, Richard Wilbur, Maxine Kumin, and Stanley Kunitz; and profiles their lives and achievements.