Muriel Rukeyser

Features Muriel Rukeyser discussing her life and her approach to writing poetry. Observes Rukeyser in her New York studio as she explains that she chooses simple language that describes an urban, technological world, yet she frequently writes of the dynamic beauty of nature. Discusses the obstacles a poet faces, such as misunderstanding from oneself, one's family, and the audience, and how Rukeyser strives to overcome these and the most recent barriers to her work--two disabling strokes. Includes Rukeyser reading several of her poems., From her New York studio, Rukeyser looks out over the hectic Manhattan streets to the Hudson River. This scene captures two essential aspects of her verse: She chooses simple language that describes our urban, technological world, yet she frequently writes of the dynamic beauty of nature. She deals with the obstacles a poet faces--misunderstanding from one's self, one's family and the audience. Award winner.