Anna Akhmatova

ANNA AKHMATOVA

Anna Andreyevna Akhmatova, born on 23 June 1889 as Anna Gorenko, is regarded as one of the greatest Russian poets in the history of mankind. Her passion for poetry and verse began during her teenage years, however when her father found out about her aspirations and dreams, he compelled her to not shame the family's name by becoming a poetess. A woman with sheer determination, Anna did not give up on her ambition but chose to write under a pen name, with her last name being that of her maternal grandfather's. After attending law school in Kiev, she tied the knot with a famous critic and poet, Nikolai Gumilev. However, the marriage did not last long and the couple went separate ways after 8 years. Anna gained fame upon the publication of her first book 'Evening' and became a respected poet among the intelligentsia. During the Russian Revolution, Gumilev was executed and this brought in a rough time for Anna whose poetry was unofficially banned for a period of 15 years. However, she did not give up but continued to work hard. Eventually she regained support from the Russian population and became a woman of fame and honour. She continued to write poetry till her death on March 5, 1966 in Domodedovo. Anna Akhmatova has inspired millions of young minds to follow their dreams regardless of the obstacles that come in their way.