Anne Wilkinson

Anne Wilkinson (May 21, 1910 – May 10, 1961) was a Canadian poet. Born in Toronto, Ontario, she was educated at private schools and at the University of Toronto, although she did not complete her degree. Wilkinson is considered a significant figure in Canadian modernist poetry, known for her sharp wit, intellectual rigor, and unflinching exploration of personal and societal themes.

Her published works include Counterpoint to Time (1938), The Hangman Ties the Holly (1955), and A Saving Grace: Selected Poems (1956). Collected Poems was published posthumously in 1968, cementing her place as a major voice in Canadian literature. Her poetry often explores themes of identity, domesticity, nature, and the complexities of human relationships. She also wrote short stories and essays.

Wilkinson's work is characterized by its precise imagery, ironic tone, and willingness to confront difficult emotions. Her poems often grapple with the tension between the ideal and the real, and her use of language is both sophisticated and accessible. She is regarded as an important influence on subsequent generations of Canadian poets.