Robert Winner

Robert Winner (1930-1986) Poet and businessman Robert Winner was born and raised in the Bronx and became paralyzed at age 16. He published his first book, Green in the Body (1979), when he was almost 50. Winner’s poetry was known for its “absolute clarity and honesty,” in the words of poet Thomas Lux. The Poetry Society of America hosts an annual Robert H. Winner Memorial Award, which recognizes poets older than 40 who have published one or fewer books. 

Land’s End

Surviving in its fragile skin,

a white egret rises

from the gulf of its strength.

I want the lightest needle of a pine

to fall on my hand,

a pine with ravaged limbs.

I'd stare through salt-blind eyes

at a remote fragile sea. I'd roar.

I'd make the skeleton of grief.

I'd roar like you, unreconciled sea.

— Robert Winner