Directed by Nora Jacobson • Documentary • 2022 • 77 minutes

After tragedy strikes, acclaimed poet Ruth Stone retreated to the margins of the literary world, working tirelessly to provide for her children, and transforming her intense grief into poetry, using simple, startling language.

Using a conversational, intimate approach, award-winning Vermont filmmaker Nora Jacobson combines rare archival footage of Ruth at different times of her life, filmed in the 1970s by Hollywood film editor Sidney Wolinsky (The Sopranos, The Shape of Water), raw and original animation by Ruth’s granddaughter Bianca Stone, and heartfelt observations by family members and poets, including Pulitzer Prize winner Sharon Olds, Toi Derricotte, Major Jackson, Chard DeNiord and Edward Hirsch. Beloved by many, Ruth’s home in Goshen, Vermont became a mecca for her students, as well as poet friends and family members. This film hopes to acquaint more people with Ruth Stone’s poetry and the poignant tragedy at the heart of her oeuvre.