Celia Thaxter Quotes (2+)

Celia Laighton Thaxter, known as the "Island poet," lived much of her life on the Isles of Shoals, a group of nine islands six miles off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. Born on June 29, 1835, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, she spent her early years on White Island, where her father, Thomas Laighton, was a lighthouse keeper.

Celia's life on the islands was marked by independence and a deep connection with nature. She wrote, "One of the first things a settler on the Isles of Shoals has to learn is to live as independently as possible." This independence was reflected in her writing, which often explored themes of morality, ethics, and human emotions.

As a writer, Celia was prolific and versatile, producing poetry and prose that captivated readers. Her poetry was not limited to the sea, despite her association with the ocean. She wrote about a wide range of topics, including music, nature, and human relationships. Her poems, such as "The Burgomaster Gull", "Landlocked", "Milking", "The Great White Owl", "The Kingfisher", and "The Sandpiper", are still celebrated today.

Celia's writing attracted the attention of prominent writers and critics, including Thomas Wentworth Higginson, who admired her work for its moral undercurrent and picturesque descriptions. Her writing was not limited to poetry; she also wrote essays and stories that showcased her talent for storytelling.

Throughout her life, Celia was drawn to the beauty of nature, particularly the flowers in her garden. She wrote, "As I work among my flowers, I find myself talking to them, reasoning and remonstrating with them, and adoring them as if they were human beings." This love for nature was reflected in her writing, which often featured vivid descriptions of the natural world.

Celia Thaxter died suddenly on August 25, 1894, at the age of 59, on Appledore Island. She was buried not far from her cottage, surrounded by flowers from her garden, as per her wishes. Her legacy as a writer and a woman of independent spirit continues to inspire readers to this day.