Local poets, writers honor William Stafford

In honor of the 100th birthday of poet William Stafford, Homer poets and writers hold a William Stafford Centennial Celebration at 6 p.m. Jan. 18 at K-Bay Caffe on Pioneer Avenue. Literary artists will read Stafford’s work. Born Jan. 18, 1914, Stafford died in 1993, but two decades after his death continues to have a profound influence on the American life of letters, said Homer poet Erin Hollowell, organizer of the event.

“William Stafford has been influential for many local writers, not only because of the scope of his work, but because of his advocacy for peace and his work as a teacher,” she said.

Stafford published more than 70 volumes of poetry, including the National Book Award winner “Traveling Through the Dark.” He was Oregon’s Poet Laureate for 15 years and taught at Lewis & Clark University, Portland, Ore., for more than 30 years.

Audience members also will be invited to read their favorite Stafford poems after the scheduled readers.

 
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