An Interview with Maurice Kenny

Abstract

in Watertown, New York, in 1929, Maurice is one of the most celebrated Native American poets of all time. He has published over thirty books of poetry, fiction, and essays. His Mama Poems, an extended elegy, won the American Book Award in 1984, and his books Blackrobe, Isaac Jogues, and Between Two Rivers were nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. considers his most important work to be Tekonwatonti, Molly Brant, 1735-1795, historical poetry journey in many voices that honors the Mohawk figure Molly Brant and explores an important time in American history when the British, French, Iroquois, and colonists were engaged in monumental collision of cultures. Calling a master lyricist/7 Joseph Bruchac writes: Kenny is the creator of new form of dramatic monologue in his recreations of the voices and time of Isaac Jogues and Molly Brant/' For the past four years, between New York and Mexico, has extended his method of historic poetry in writing new book, Conversations with Frida Kahlo: Collage of Memory. has taught in many places, including St. Lawrence University, Paul Smith's College, the University of Victoria, Lehigh University, and the University of Oklahoma. In 1995 St. Lawrence University awarded with the degree of Doctor of Literature. He currently teaches at the State University of New York at Potsdam.