Poets and poetry aficionados can hear works by one of the Northwest’s greatest poets — known for his evocative poetry inspired by the local landscape — at the second-annual William Stafford Birthday Reading next Wednesday (Jan. 17) at Trail’s End Bookstore in Winthrop. The free event is from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Stafford wrote a series of poems in the early 1990s to reflect the land and spirit of the North Cascades, following a commission from the local ranger station of the U.S. Forest Service. Verses from Stafford’s “Methow River Poems” appear on plaques along the North Cascades Highway and throughout the valley.
Featured local poets at the birthday tribute include Alana Blusol, Christine Kendall, Kelleigh McMillan, Julianne Seeman, Julie Tate-Libby, plus Liberty Bell High School students Lazo Gitchos, Kyleen Romero and Leo Shaw. Cindy Williams Gutiérrez hosts the event and will also read poetry.
All readers will share one Stafford poem and an original poem inspired by Stafford’s writing. Audience members will be invited to share their favorite Stafford poem or a story about Stafford and his impact on their life.
