CK Stead Celebrates 93rd Birthday with Tribute Poem for Ann Thwaite

Celebrated New Zealand poet CK Stead marked his 93rd birthday on October 17, 2023, by unveiling a poignant poem dedicated to his lifelong friend, Ann Thwaite. Thwaite, who turned 93 on October 4, 2023, is a distinguished biographer known for her works on literary figures such as A.A. Milne, Edmund Gosse, and Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Stead’s poem, titled “Reading Anthony for Ann,” honors Thwaite’s late husband, Anthony Thwaite, a respected poet and editor who contributed to esteemed publications including the BBC, The Listener, and The New Statesman. Thwaite served as the literary executor for celebrated poet Philip Larkin until his passing in 2021.

In his birthday tribute, Stead reflects on the intimate connection between poetry and personal experience. He describes how each poem invites the reader to explore its depths, maintaining a sense of wit and precision. The poem’s voice is characterized as “quiet” yet “dependably rhyming,” creating a personal bond with the reader.

Stead stated, “This was my birthday present to my exact contemporary, Ann Thwaite,” underscoring the significance of their shared milestones. Thwaite is currently revising her biography of Emily Tennyson for an upcoming edition in the United States.

The friendship between Stead and Thwaite spans decades, marked by mutual respect and literary collaboration. As both authors continue to contribute to the literary landscape, their works remain a testament to their enduring bond and dedication to their craft.

This heartfelt literary exchange not only celebrates their birthdays but also pays tribute to a shared history of literary achievement and friendship. With his latest poem, CK Stead continues to weave the fabric of personal memory and poetic expression, inviting readers to join in the exploration of life’s complexities through the lens of his words.

In an age where personal connections often fade, Stead’s poem serves as a reminder of the power of literature to capture and cherish the moments that define our relationships.