Marina Ivanovna Tsvetaeva was a well-known Russian poet. Her work was among the greatest Russian literature of the 20th century.

She was born on 8, October 1892 in Moscow, Russian Empire, in a well-to-do family. She even identified herself with the Polish aristocracy. Her mother thought her poetry was poor and wanted her to become a pianist, like herself.

The family travelled when Marina was young and that must have had an impact on her young mind. She was able to learn Germany, French, and Italian. She followed her own path in doing poetry and left her mum's strict musical studies.

Her first collection of poems called the Vecherny Albom (Evening Album) was self-published in 1910. It was well-received, despite being considerably bland compared to her later works. It drew the attention of poet and critic Maximilian Voloshin, who became her friend and mentor.

She would spend time at his house, Koktebel, which was a popular haven for poets, writers, and artists. It was said to be a place where inspiration was born. It was at this house that she met her husband, Sergei Efron.

They had two daughters together. Her husband later joined the army. During the Moscow famine, Marina took her daughters to the state orphanage believing they would be well-fed there. Regardless, one died of starvation putting her in a lot of grief.

Although she deeply loved Efron, she had a number of affairs that devastated him. She wrote poetry centered on these affairs and the events in her life. She later gave birth to a son.

Her husband Efron was executed and Marina ended up hanging herself when she could take no more torment in her life. Her son died in battle in World War II. Her daughter spent 16 years in prison camps and exile.

Read on for some of Marina's thoughtful quotes.