Many of us start writing in high school journals, but few think about an eventual collection than will extend fifty years or more into the future. And yet, I find myself now, with a 300 page retrospective volume in hand that includes selections from seven collections of published poetry. This eighth volume is titled Traveling In Place, New & Selected Poems (1995-2025), published by Secret Goldfish Press.
The title underscores the fact that a majority of the poems in this new and selected collection are written about Mendocino County. Additionally the title refers to the truism that, no matter where we go, it is our own imagination that animates our wanderings.
But let me back up for a moment, I’ve lived in Mendocino County, specifically Ukiah, for the last 37 years. And while I’ve raised a family here, worked in public health, and taken on many community projects, I’ve always written poems, and often taught poetry Creative Writing on the side. I was nominated and appointed as the City of Ukiah’s first Poet Laureate in 2021 and the first Ukiahaiku Festival was launched under the Poet Laureate Committee in 2022. The Festival is about to celebrate its 25th Year.
It has been said that nothing remains constant in life. And I think we all can attest to the ancient wisdom of this simple truth. But I can say, that poetry has remained a constant companion and, guide or regulator in my life. Furthermore, poetry has helped me integrate and reconcile the most difficult changes. The muse has not always been available, nor has her voice always been soothing. But over the span of these last fifty years poetry has humanized me.
By carrying on a conversation with my own heart, over a great many years, I have learned to become more open to the wound, the magic, the serendipitous love, and sheer possibilities of this world.
For me, this is the gift of poetry.
I would like to invite Arts Council friends to join me in a special reading to launch this new collection of poetry on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 6:30pm, at the Sudhana Center, 225 South Hope Street, Ukiah.
Books will be available at the reading. Admission is free.
