My poem “Salmon Bones” is included in the brand new anthology edited by Washington Poet Laureate Rena Priest. The purpose of “I Sing the Salmon Home” is to raise awareness about the importance of and threats to salmon in our state.
My poem is dedicated to Judy DuPuis, dear friend and fellow youth services librarian. She passed away a few years ago. When I worked in the libraries in Grays Harbor we often featured Judy and her husband Curtis as Native Storytellers, members of the Chehalis tribe. Judy’s storytelling skills were truly magical.
We hosted the DuPuis for several of our family campfire nights and I was thinking of one especially out at Stewart Park which has a little stream running through it. Judy told a story about the salmon and rivers and hunger and gratitude. I have described it here as best I recall. Even people just using the park and not realizing there was a library event were draw to her words.
I am so honored to have my poem included in this brilliant book. Copies are available from Empty Bowl Press and at local bookstores. Many readings are planned throughout Washington state during the coming months.