Poetry. Native American Studies. Gay & Lesbian Studies. In conjunction with the publication of CONNOTATIONS, White Pine Press is pleased to release a new edition of American Book Award-winner Maurice Kenny's THE MAMA POEMS, a cycle of poems centered on the life of Kenny's late mother. "The world [Maurice] Kenny opens for us is personal, yet never sentimental. It is a world in which long-dead relatives can appear when they are needed; in which the drum sounds in rituals of curing; a world vibrant with the natural landscape"--Joseph Bruchac. Maurice Kenny is one of the major voices of Native American letters. His books of poetry include Tekonwatonti: Molly Brant and Carving Hawk.

Author Hometown: Potsdam, NY USA



About the author: Maurice Kenny is a Mohawk poet. Maurice Kenny was born in Watertown, NY in 1929. His father is Mohawk from Canada, his mother was born in upstate New York. The family spent time living both on and off the nearby reservation. Kenny's father was a stern man, given to rough treatment of his son and at 16 Maurice ran away from home. He lived in New York City for a brief period before returning home. Maurice Kenny lives between Saranac Lake, and Potsdam. He occasionally teaches at North Country Community College, but currently is assigned courses at SUNY Potsdam.