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On Saturday, February 21, we gathered at Wild Birds Unlimited in Wenatchee to read poems about birds. Six of us shared our own and others’ work about our feathered friends. Owner Brooke Thomsen introduced the session by providing a short history of the franchise, her store and the importance of supporting songbirds, whose populations are dwindling at an alarming rate. We also shared anecdotes about our backyard birds. The question came up about whether pigeons are the only birds who can recognize themselves in a mirror. More research is needed on that subject…

Eighteen of us gathered in Brian’s studio to share poems, thoughts, laughter and snacks. As always, the discussions were rich and the vibe was friendly and relaxed. Brian opened with “Second Hand,” a poem he set to music and sang while playing his guitar. It was brilliant.

Our next session will be on Thursday, March 12 from 5:30 to about 6:30.

Thirteen of us showed up to share poems in this cozy, casual, festive venue.

Some read their own work. Richard read about Holden Village. Denise read several haiku. Brian performed his “Twas the Night After Christmas,” which made us all chuckle.

Some read other people’s poems. Susan read “Christmas Mail” by Ted Kooser. Chandra read “Night Walk” by Peter Pereira (who is a Seattle-area physician AND poet). Lynette treated us to two poems by William Blake: “The Chimney Sweeper” and “The Songs of Innocence and Experience.” Balta’s poem – the title and poet’s name escape me – had these juicy lines: “Don’t just stand there with your hair turning gray;” “say some prayers to the wind;” “some extra fish has been salted.”

Sue read a parody of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” which also gave us a chuckle.

But the real treat, one which brought a tear to several eyes through the smiles, was Ashley’s eight-year-old son reading a poem from a Mr. Rogers Neighborhood book, the topic being, “I like you just the way you are.” We were all silently cheering him on because he was obviously so nervous, and when he finished, we cheered for him out loud. His brother read the real “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and Mom Ashley read a “wonderful” poem by Harry Baker from his book by the same name.

It was a delightful and truly memorable event.

Please join us next time! The atmosphere is always casual, intimate and welcoming.

For more information, contact Susan Blair.

Susan Blair’s narrative rhyming poem for kids is now available.

Three fun-loving geese visit Elderberry Farm, where they encounter several down-in-the-dumps barnyard animals. The right hat on the right head cheers everybody up, and the party begins! It’s all about kindness, generosity and fun.

Hardcover, charmingly illustrated by Emily Hercock. The perfect gift for the little reader in your life – or for you, as someone who reads to little kiddos.

For more information and how to order, contact Susan at sfblair61@gmail.com.

A free, poetry-only open mic open to the public.

Check back for location – sometimes we move around town a little!

The Third Thursday Poetry Open Mic was held at Brian Ohme’s Wenatchee Underground studio. Thirteen people attended, some reading, some just listening, everyone enjoying!

We celebrated at Class With a Glass in Wenatchee. This party brought together poets, their friends and/or family members, and the staff of the Journal for congratulations, readings, a few laughs and some very good food and drink.    

Editor of the Journal, Susan Blair, publicly acknowledged the members of her team for once again making The Shrub-Steppe Poetry Journal possible, now in its fifth year.  

We celebrated the launch of The Shrub-Steppe Poetry Journal, 5th edition, at Class With a Glass in Wenatchee.

From left to right, Ed Stover, Susan Blair, Susan Rae Sampson and Bruce McCammon

Cats and Dogs Reigning is available! We ask for a donation of $5.00 per copy.

If you would like to purchase a copy or copies, please contact Susan Blair at
sfblair61@gmail.com.

We appreciate your support of the poets of Central Washington.

Shrub-Steppe Poetry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers.

“Truly, there are so many strong voices represented in this Journal…I think poets are more willing than most to share the raw parts of their lives that others wouldn’t even tell friends, much less strangers. But it’s that starkness, told with an unemotional voice, that ironically creates emotion in the reader…Reading The Shrub-Steppe Poetry Journal gave me a glimpse of each poet’s own life experiences, and too, brought up similar memories, emotions or connections from my own past. We’re all not so different when it comes down to it. This is good therapy for what’s going on in the world today!” — Nancy Atkins, Chelan

“Thank you for your work with The Shrub-Steppe Poetry Journal. It’s really cool that you’ve created a place for poets on the sunny side of the mountains.” — Mark Burns, Yakima

“I’ve read the issue twice and there is much to admire…I enjoyed the book very much. I thought of listing my favorites but there were 27 of them. I’m a sucker for good formalism which is so hard to write, but I was charmed by Betty Hartgrave’s “Surprise;” it’s light but nice. The point is I think you all made good editorial choices that show a variety of utterances that work. thanks for all your efforts.” — Joseph Powell, Ellensburg