April is National Poetry Month and we have some destinations for those of you who want to… listen to Jana Harris read her poetry, compose in a quiet place, or read poetry at a local venue.  The Skykomish Valley is the perfect inspiration with her vast natural beauty, fascinating heritage and friendly folk. Let’s go!

Listen

Don’t miss Jana Harris reading from her recent poetry collection, “You Haven’t Asked About My Wedding or What I Wore; Poems of Courtship on the American Frontier.”  This work is informed by thirty years of research on the diaries, letters and lives of 19th century frontier women.  Everyone is welcome as the ‘Friends of the Sultan Library’ host this local author reading at 2pm Saturday April 25 at the Sultan Library, 319 Main Street – 360 793 1695.

Food is an important element of any road trip and a stop at the Atsuki food truck is just right for great food and an easy stop. Located in the parking lot at 923 US2, Sultan [next to Grow Washington and the Windmill Espresso stand].  We have tried the

Yakisoba, the delicious mild Japanese curry and the sushi cups – my favorite. Atsuki is a friendly host; born in Japan and now living in Gold Bar.

Compose

Finding a quiet place to compose your thoughts and put your words to paper come easy in the Sky Valley…if you know where to turn off Highway 2.  We are going to drive past the most popular hikes and viewpoints in the valley such as Wallace Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Town of Index and stop at a little know waypoint – Alpine Falls.  Set your GPS or navigation device to “Alpine Falls US2” or simply look for mile post 55 and just over the bridge there is a small parking area off the road. The walk to the falls is about 200 ft. It is the perfect place to contemplate and compose.  My friend wrote this playful poem about the falls for National Poetry Month…

Alpine Falls

There once was a fish named Alpine

Who lived and played on Carroll Creek

He frolicked in pools of waters sky blue

Near mile post 55 on US 2

On an April day he lost his way

And tumbled down the turbulent creek

Falling over and into the pool below

Feeling oh so pummeled and oh so weak

This place is long known as Alpine Falls

While in search of the falls just last week

I penned these lines from the brink of the drink (During National Poetry Month)

For poets all to find and take a peek

 Local Poetry

Sometimes writers block or procrastination set in and you put off your poetry writing or reading for another day…we have just the opportunity for you – share your poem at the Index Arts Festival.  Each year the festival [Saturday August 1] has a poetry & spoken word venue.  Bring your poetry or story to the event on Saturday August 1st and share with a small audience. Keep in touch with the festival and surrounding events on their facebook page

Explore the Sky Valley for inspiration and check out what’s happening with National Poetry Month!