In This Place
How Poetry Connects us to the Past
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Long before pen touched paper, many believe the earliest forms of poetry would have been recited or sung. This oral tradition was a way of preserving knowledge and sharing stories.
We still use poetry in much the same way! Poetry can be a way to remember people and places from your own life, a way to respond to something you experienced, or even a way to imagine the experiences of the generations before us.
In this exhibit, you can explore different examples of poetry, each with a unique connection to Redmond.
View poems from the Redmond Historical Society's collections, from senior poems to works found in the Sammamish Valley News
Learn about Redmond Poet Laureate programs, and past collaborations with the Redmond Historical Society.
Read poems in response to historical photos an archives, from the Redmond Historical Society's 2023 Poetry Showcase event.
In 2023, the Redmond Historical Society held its first Poetry Showcase in celebration of National Poetry Month. Readings included 14 poets with a personal connection to Redmond.
Poets were asked to submit poems in response to photos from the Society's archives.
This event also gave the Society to connect with the Redmond Association of Spokenword. RASP members were invited to tour the Society's display space and respond to artifacts, paintings as well.
Look below to learn more about each poet. Click their name to view their poem and its inspiration.
Featured Readers at the Redmond Historical Society
Featured Readers at the Redmond Historical Society
Ekphrastic Poetry uses a rhetorical device known as ekphrasis. Ekphrasis is the use of detailed description to engages with and respond to paintings, drawings, sculptures or other forms of visual art -- like photographs!
*RASP Members joined the Society for a tour of the our historical displays, and short workshop exploring this style of poetry.
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.
Thank you to all our selected poets for sharing their poems with us, and engaging with Redmond's unique history. We are grateful for the opportunity to share your work.
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