"I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. My family was not nationally known as being a literary family, though my mother and my mother's side of the family in general were interested in literature"

In this quote, Kenneth Koch provides a glimpse into his early life and the cultural milieu of his childhood. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Koch opens with a straightforward statement about his birthplace, grounding his identity in a particular geographical and cultural setting. Cincinnati, a city understood for its mix of Midwestern commercial roots and cultural vibrancy, may suggest a backdrop that integrates both traditional values and an openness to cultural pursuits. This sets the stage for understanding the environment that perhaps influenced Koch's later work as a poet.

Koch keeps in mind that his family was not "nationally called being a literary family", highlighting a difference in between perceived cultural status and personal family interest. This phrasing mean a modest, maybe traditional household background, not identified by fame or extensive acknowledgment within the literary world. The lack of national acknowledgment might suggest that literature was a personal or individual interest for his household instead of an expert pursuit or public identity.

Nevertheless, Koch emphasizes that his mother and her side of the family had a predisposition for literature. By pointing out their interest "in basic", Koch suggests a broad appreciation for literary arts, possibly including reading, storytelling, and even composing as a hobby. This familial disposition towards literature, even if not expertly pursued, suggests a nurturing environment where literary activities were appreciated and motivated. This environment may have promoted Koch's blossoming love for poetry and literature, laying the foundational ground for his later achievements.

In assessing this quote, one can value the nuanced characteristics of how personal and familial interests, even those not acclaimed on a national scale, can significantly influence an individual's innovative advancement. Koch's recommendation of his household's literary interest, even amidst an absence of broader acknowledgment, highlights the value of personal heritage and familial impact in the shaping of a writer's identity and profession. This background possibly supplied Koch with an unique lens through which he saw the world, eventually adding to his unique voice in the American poetry landscape.