Denise Levertov

Rexroth, who championed her, called her the most subtly skilful poet of her generation. Aged 12, she wrote to Eliot who responded encouragingly; Read also helped her. She mixed with Black Mountain poets in New York, her husband introducing her to Creeley (who became a close friend), Olson and Duncan, as well as to Williams, a formative influence who became an intensely sympathetic communicant. Through her intimate friendship with Duncan, she met H. D., corresponding warmly in the year before H. D.’s death. She sent Pasternak a book, who replied he was sure they’d be friends, but died before they could meet.