Kormos István Plaque

Kormos István. A name whispered with reverence in literary circles. Here, at the Kormos István Plaque in Budapest, we remember a life dedicated to words. Kormos István, a poet, writer, translator, and editor, left an indelible mark on Hungarian literature. This plaque, erected in 2004, stands as a testament to his contributions. Born in Mosonszentmiklós in 1923, Kormos István’s early life was marked by hardship. He lost his mother and younger brother when he was just a toddler. His father remarried and moved the family to Budapest. Kormos István began working as a delivery boy at a young age, while also pursuing his passion for writing. His first poems were published in 1943, marking the beginning of a prolific career. Kormos István’s literary journey took him from writing children’s stories to crafting poignant poetry. He is best known for his Vackor series, beloved by generations of Hungarian children. But his literary contributions extended far beyond children’s literature. He translated works by renowned authors like Chaucer, Burns, and Pushkin, introducing Hungarian readers to world literature. Kormos István’s personal life, like his writing, was full of complexities. He was married three times, each relationship shaping his artistic trajectory. He spent time in Paris, immersing himself in the French literary scene, which further enriched his work. The Kormos István Plaque bears an inscription from one of his poems, a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy. “The door to the world opens. My pen opens and closes it. I scratch from my heart. K.I., who I was.” These words encapsulate Kormos István’s dedication to his craft, his ability to open doors to different worlds through his writing. Here, at the Kormos István Plaque, we celebrate a life interwoven with words. A life that continues to inspire and resonate with readers young and old.