WordFest hosts Clark County poet laureate on Feb 14

Clark County Poet Laureate Armin Tolentino will read at WordFest on Tuesday, February 14, 6-8 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1428 22nd Avenue in Longview. In honor of Valentine's Day, Tolentino will read poems that explore family relationships and love, lost and found.

Tolentino is the author of the collection We Meant to Bring It Home Alive (Alternating Current Press). He earned an MFA at Rutgers University-Newark and his writing has appeared in journals including Rigorous, Gobshite Quarterly, Portland Magazine, and Pontoon Poetry. More info at http://www.armintolentino.com.

Joining him is Portland artist and poet Caroline Holm and local poet Robert Griffin.

Holm will read from her debut collection of illustrated nature poetry and prose, Woodland, published in February 2022, and also pieces from her forthcoming book of paintings and poetry. More information at carolineholmpoetry.com or @carolineholmpoetry on Instagram.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Robert Griffin has been writing poetry for over 30 years, enjoying “the way poetry soothes and lifts our hearts with gentle embraces.” He has won the Shakespearean Award of Excellence from the American Poets Society and several Rattle Awards.

An open mic will follow the presentations.

Due to Covid, it is recommended that people be vaccinated and boosted if possible, and wear masks when not eating or drinking.

The monthly gathering of readers and writers meets the second Tuesday of each month, 6-8 p.m., in the fellowship hall of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. The events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Alan Rose at http://www.alan-rose.com.