Lovely Poem by Rena Priest, Washington State Poet Laureate

“These Abundant and Generous Homelands“

Watch Rena Priest, a member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation and Washington State Poet Laureate, read “These Abundant and Generous Homelands” poem, written to the theme of “A Vision For A More Equitable 2023” at the 2023 State of the State address during the joint legislative session.

On April 4, 2023, a new collection of poems celebrating salmon will be released: I Sing the Salmon Home: Poems from Washington State.

I Sing the Salmon Home: Poems from Washington State, edited by Rena Priest and published by Empty Bowl Press, is a new collection of poetry gathered by Priest, from more than 150 Washington poets ranging from first graders to Tribal Elders, all inspired by the Northwest’s beloved, iconic salmon. As Priest writes in her preface: “It is my hope that the poems in this collection will carry into the hearts of readers a wish to preserve and protect the gifts of salmon bestowed by a beautiful living earth…. May their good work continue to sing the salmon home.”

As part of the book release, join Empty Bowl Press and Rena Priest on upcoming readings in April:
Seattle Book Launch | April 8, 2023 at the Seattle Public Library
Olympia Book Launch | April 10, 2023 at the Washington State Capitol Building

In addition, please join the Honor: People & Salmon art exhibit’s closing reception with artists and Rena Priest, on April 15, 5:00-7:00 pm, hosted by Save Our wild Salmon Coalition and the University of Puget Sound’s Kittredge Gallery in Tacoma, WA. Read more about the closing reception here and visit nwaae.org for additional information about the Honor: People & Salmon exhibit and Northwest Artists Against Extinction.