Helgi Muller

Poems

Helgi Muller (until 1952 Helgi Orr, 5. X 1932 -1 6.XII 1971) was a poet, translator and children’s author.

Helgi Muller came from a working-class family. She graduated in 1951 from Secondary School number 1 in Viljandi and the same year entered the State University of Tartu, where at first she studied law, then logic and psychology, and later folklore. She graduated from the university by distance learning in journalism in 1963. She worked as a secretary at the Museum of Theatre and Music in Tallinn, as a contributor to the journal Kodumaa, and as an employee of the Marat knitwear factory. Her first published poems appeared in the press in 1954.

From 1963 she was a professional writer. Helgi Muller’s song lyrics have frequently been set to music. She was the co-author of Ülo Raudmäe’s operetta Kiri nõudmiseni (Poste restante). She translated plays, opera and song lyrics and poetry. There is much sunshine and warmth in her work, in which her restless soul resounds. Helgi Muller’s life was cut short in 1971 when she was in her most mature phase of creativity. The poetess had come to an impasse and took her own life.

L. P. (Translated by C. M.)

 

Books in Estonian

Poetry
Tähesärk: luuletusi 1962–1963. Tallinn: Eesti Riiklik Kirjastus, 1963. 80 lk.
Laulud ratastel: luuletusi 1962–1966. Tallinn: Eesti Raamat, 1966. 120 lk.
Linnulina: luuletusi 1966–1969. Tallinn: Eesti Raamat, 1970. 79 lk.
Saialill ja leivalill. Tallinn: Eesti Raamat, 1970. 28 lk.
Vigurivänt. Tallinn: Eesti Raamat, 1971. 32 lk.
Valik luulet. Koostanud Linda Ruud. Tallinn: Eesti Raamat, 1983. 128 lk.