p Kaisyn Kuliev (b. 1917) is a native of KabardinoBalkaria in the Caucasus. An exceptionally gifted lyric poet, he writes in the aphoristic, austerely reserved manner peculiar to Caucasian folk poetry. He writes of fortitude in the face of tribulation, staunchness of spirit, and on such simple universal themes as love, motherhood, and fidelity to one’s duty. "The Wounded Stone" (1964), considered his best collection of recent years, has been awarded the Russian Federation State Prize.

In his latest book "Peace to Your House" (1966), Kaisyn Kuliev for the first time in his career used the traditional genre of Caucasian poetry—eight and twelve-line stanzas.