Raymond Carver: The Man Who Lived Two Lives

Birth & Death. Born this day in 1938; died 1988. Two wives; two lives. The first, Maryann Burk, never stopped loving him; thinking she just might outlive his alcoholism, which so very nearly claimed his life before he was 40. Hospitalized 3 times, and supported in his sobriety by A.A. he began a new life, sober, and a relationship with poet Tess Gallagher. His last drink taken in 1977; a time Tess describes as when he 'chose to live'. 

His writing is known for its spare leanness. A master of precision-detail plainly laid out. No frills.

           

Seeing his poem about his locking himself out of his house, gave me a bit of a chill; it seems such a symbolic thing to happen, bearing in mind the Jungian archetype of  a house signifying, or being emblematic of one's Self.

Very evocative and self-reflective - or rather, taking the position of being able to see himself from inside and from without. 

It's interesting seeing poems by different poets sharing the same title; each one delivering such different takes on the theme. I love the simplicity of his writing; the ability to capture the essence of  a passing moment, a scene, a gesture not made.

Although he had given up drinking, he wasn't able to achieve the same feat with smoking. He died in his wife's arms far, far too soon.