Marie Howe is an American poet born in 1950 in Rochester, New York. She is known for her accessible yet profound exploration of personal and familial relationships, as well as themes such as mortality, love, and the transcendent dimensions of ordinary life. Howe's work is often noted for its emotional clarity, philosophical depth, and its use of narrative and free verse. Howe has published several poetry collections, with her most recognizable work perhaps being "What the Living Do" (1997), which was written in response to the loss of her brother John to AIDS. This collection is widely regarded for its stark yet tender portrayal of grief and survival. Her other notable collections include "The Kingdom of Ordinary Time" (2008) and "The Good Thief" (1988), which was selected by Margaret Atwood for the National Poetry Series. In addition to her writing, Howe has served as a faculty member at Sarah Lawrence College and has been involved in teaching and mentoring young poets. Her contributions to American poetry have been recognized with several honors, including the Mary Carolyn Davies Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of America and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation.