Poems

Aarthi John
I arrived in Redmond as a hopeful, young woman. I walked by creeks and sought out storm water ponds to strengthen my spirit. This picture captures the essence of a smart woman's soul in her eyes and smile, a homage to the everyday woman, everywhere.

Balin Lusby*
Balin is a magician, a maker, an author, a poet, an engineer, an artist, a fencer, an archer, and a two-time brain tumor survivor.
thegreatcigma.com
instagram.com/thegreatcigma

Ben Ta
A freshman currently attending The Overlake School, in Redmond, WA.

Catherine Kyle*
Catherine Kyle saw the cookie cutters described in this poem on a visit to the Redmond Historical Society, and was inspired by the thought of who might have used them.
catherinebaileykyle.com

Cheryl Magnuson
My sister was a writer and a poet. I do not consider myself to be a poet, but I do enjoy occasionally fiddling around with words. It makes me feel closer to my sister who has been gone for many years.  

Darren Nordlie*
Darren Nordlie is the 2022 EPIC Group Writers winner for poetry and has twice been published in Washington State Poet Laureate collections. He serves as VP for Redmond Association of Spokenword.

Janka Hobbs*
I saw this photo, and remembered working there, many years ago.

Justin Ma
I am a 9th grade student at The Overlake School in Redmond, Washington. I have lived in Redmond for most of my life.

K. Simon
K. Simon earned a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She enjoys writing fiction and poetry and collecting new hobbies. 

Kari Tai*
Kari is the founder of the artistic collective Home Ground. She likes to explore the interplay between dance and writing.
taikari.com

Ken Osborne
Originally from UK, came to Redmond in 2007. Have been writing poetry for most of my life. I have been a frequent reader at local open mics, Inspired by Looking at old photos.

Raul Sanchez
I was the Redmond Poet Laureate 2019 - 2021.
poetraulsanchez.com 

Tristan Jolly
I have played the saxophone for over 7 years, and really enjoy going out on a sunny day and playing. This photo really stuck with me, and was extremely relatable when writing this poem.

Honorary Mention:

Michael Heavener*
I had a photo picked out and started writing it the same night. Alas, life's complications made me miss the deadline, but now it's finished.