Cynthia Macdonald

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Cynthia Macdonald (February 2, 1928 – August 3, 2015) was an American poet, psychoanalyst, and educator. She was known for her unique voice in contemporary poetry and her contributions to the field of psychoanalysis.

Early Life and Education

Cynthia Macdonald was born in Manhattan, New York City. She attended Bennington College and later transferred to Bard College, where she earned her B.A. in 1950. She pursued further studies at the Yale School of Drama and the Juilliard School.

Career

Poetry

Macdonald published several collections of poetry throughout her career. Her work is characterized by its wit, dark humor, and exploration of human psychology. Some of her notable poetry collections include:

• Amputations (1972)
• Transplants (1976)
• I Can't Remember (1997)

Her poetry has been featured in various literary magazines and anthologies, and she received numerous awards and fellowships for her work.

Psychoanalysis

In addition to her career as a poet, Macdonald trained as a psychoanalyst and practiced in Houston, Texas. She was a member of the Houston-Galveston Psychoanalytic Institute and contributed to the field through her clinical work and writings.

Teaching

Macdonald was a dedicated educator and taught at several institutions. She was a professor of English and creative writing at the University of Houston, where she co-founded the Creative Writing Program. She mentored many students who went on to become successful writers.

Personal Life

Cynthia Macdonald was married to Donald Barthelme, a well-known short story writer, although the marriage ended in divorce. She had one daughter, Kate Barthelme.

Legacy

Macdonald's work continues to be studied and appreciated for its originality and depth. Her contributions to both poetry and psychoanalysis have left a lasting impact on both fields.

Selected Works

• Amputations (1972)
• Transplants (1976)
• I Can't Remember (1997)

See Also

• List of American poets
• Psychoanalysis
• University of Houston
• Creative Writing Program