Origin Myth
Sarah Getty grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, namely LaGrange and Western Springs. Her family has deep roots in Illinois, as evidenced by her long poem, "The Land of Milk and Honey," in the book of the same name.

Book Learning
Ms. Getty graduated in 1965 from Stanford University and moved on to the University of Pennsylvania, where she received a Doctor's degree in English Literature. Her specialization was in Old and Middle English language and literature.

Day Jobs
Getty retired from her last day job in 2003. The former Executive Director of the New England Foundation for the Humanities, she has taught English on the college level and has worked as a poet-in-the-schools in Indiana and Massachusetts.