Morton Marcus was an American poet and author celebrated for collections such as Big Winds, Glass Mornings, and Shadows Cast by Stars. He also published the novel The Brezhnev Memo and the memoir Striking Through The Masks.
Early Days
Marcus grew up in New York City before serving briefly in the United States Air Force, a period that later influenced the disciplined rhythm of his verse. After his military stint, he relocated to California where he continued to write and teach.
Fun Facts
The Morton Marcus Memorial Poetry Reading, an annual event honoring him, was first held in Santa Cruz in 2010 with poet Robert Hass as a featured guest. His oeuvre includes eleven poetry volumes and over five hundred individual poems.
Family Life
Morgan married Donna Mekis, and the couple raised two daughters together. Their family life remained largely private, though Marcus often mentioned his children’s influence on his later works.
Collaborations With
In addition to Robert Hass’s appearance at the 2010 memorial reading, Marcus worked closely with California literary circles, collaborating on anthologies and community workshops that promoted emerging poets across the state.