This famous sestina, simply titled “Sestina,” is by the poet Elizabeth Bishop (1911-1979), an American writer, painter, and translator who lived many years in Brazil. Bishop’ life and her friendships have been the subjects of many books. Like many poets, Bishop dedicated her life to her art.
“Sestina” is a beautiful, clear example of this form. When I was in graduate school, the instructor teaching a class on the sestina broke into tears while reciting this poem, taking those of us in her class quite by surprise.
https://allpoetry.com/poem/8493577-Sestina-by-Elizabeth-Bishop
