Celebrate poetry month, attend Stafford reading

Stafford was known as a caring teacher, a poet of peace, and an observer of nature and he remains Oregon’s most famous poet. Known for his encouragement of students and other writers, Stafford is the author of more than fifty books of poetry and essays including: “Every War Has Two Losers;” “Down in my Heart;” “The Rescued Year;” and many other volumes of poetry. He was the recipient of the National Book Award for “Traveling Through the Dark” (1962); poetry consultant to the Library of Congress, 1970; and Poet Laureate of Oregon, 1975-1993; among other honors.

Stafford was a political activist and a conscientious objector, working in civilian public service camps during World War II. He later became a well-loved professor at Lewis and Clark College in Portland.

In an online interview he explained, “I keep following this hidden river of my life. . . I inhale and exhale. I experience, write poems.”

Most of us have secret dreams and fantasies: opening a business, sailing around the world, writing a book. Have you ever wondered if you could be a poet, or whether you should share your poetry? Stafford would have answered with an emphatic ‘Yes’, firmly believing we are all born poets.

When asked why he wrote poetry, Stafford answered “Why did you stop?”

Although he was a master at his craft, he welcomed and encouraged everyone to take a seat at the circle of poetry sharing. The act of writing a poem teaches us to “accept sequential signals and adjustments toward an always –arriving present.” It is an exercise in openness and acceptance, including acceptance of one’s own limitations.

What happens if you get stuck (the famous “writer’s block”)? Stafford advises “Lower your standards and keep going.” The point is to keep writing and observing, to focus on the process rather than the product. “I would trade all of my poems for the next one,” Stafford said.

In this spirit, library organizers invite the public to share some treasured Stafford poems or some of its own efforts at the White Salmon Community Library’s Annual Stafford Poetry Reading.

The evening’s featured poets include members of the library’s Writing Group along with students and graduates of the Columbia Gorge Community College poetry class taught by Tim Schell, who teaches in much the same spirit as Stafford. The evening will end with an open mic poetry reading of both original works and favorite Stafford poems or memories.

Graves is a writer/musician who has lived most of her life in the Columbia River Gorge and is still inspired daily by its beauty. Living the credo of “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” Graves lives each day in gratitude, while learning to love the taste of lemonade!

Lewis is a far-traveling, slow-talking, star-gazing student of the written word. He is an avid disciple of Ray Bradbury, (affectionately known in his writing circle as “Father Bradbury”), and lives in what he describes as “the sleepy town of Goldendale, Washington.” When he is not at the typewriter in his haunted trailer, he is often found walking, reading or having an espresso with fellow writers. He is currently pursuing the IBEW electrical apprenticeship, following the power lines in his bloodline.

McManus is working on a poetry collection titled “The Earthmover’s Daughter.” She is the mother of four children, an avid hiker and has been a teacher in one form or another since 1996.

Newman is a painter and retired, and now reengaged teacher learning verse.

Platt lives in White Salmon and enjoys long walks on the beach, really good coffee and anything that isn’t on her to-do list.

Chantler’s love of poetry and writing was fostered by studying with William Stafford at Lewis and Clark College, and is expanding with the inspiration of Tim Schell and her wonderful classmates at Columbia Gorge Community College.

For more information about this program call the library at 493-1132.