Samthology Launch at Cascadia Poetry Fest

April 14, 2019
Splabman

Bookcover Samthology A Tribute To Sam HamillThanks to Ian Boyden’s cover design and Cate Gable’s marvelous introduction and Lyn Coffin’s expert proof-reading and to many contributors writing homages in French, Spanish and English, the Samthology will be launched at the Cascadia Poetry Festival, happening May 9-12, 2019, at the Croatian Cultural Center, 801 5th, in Anacortes, Washington, the last town in which Sam Hamill lived.

The schedule is here: https://cascadiapoetryfestival.org/cpf-anacortes-2019/

And Gold Passes admit bearers to all events save the Steve Kuusisto master workshop. Gold Passes are only $25, as is keeping with our desire to make these events extremely accessible. https://cpfanacortes.brownpapertickets.com/

The town of Anacortes has welcomed our efforts and we are grateful to everyone who has stepped up to contribute. Contributors to the anthology have even stepped up to help bring it into the world with cash contributions.

That today marks the one year anniversary of Sam’s passing is important, as it is a good occasion to release grief we’re still holding. (April 14, 2018, 6:04pm). Of course all this year’s Cascadia work has been an homage to Sam, who was one of my poetry teachers/mentors/guides. I guess his inscription to me for Habitation, which I believe is the last one he ever did for me, says it all:

Sams Inscription to Habitations

So here we are, a year without Sam. We’ll lift a cup, though it won’t be much saké for me anymore given my new life challenges. And we’ll lift one again May 9, 2019, at the opening night of the Cascadia Poetry Festival, a night on which Sam would have turned 76. I find some solace that the last poem in Habitation: Collected Poems is “Of Cascadia.” Though he did not say it to me, I think he felt the bioregional focus of my work since 2012 to be a deep response to the direction of the U.S.S. Empire and his putting Of Cascadia as the last poem was a gesture to that work. I hope you’ll join us in May, in Anacortes, to give Sam a proper sendoff. My huge thanks to all the sponsors, donors and participating poets. So many have pitched in to make this happen, its humbling.

The Samthology will be $14.95, and available at the fest and then online via the usual book-buying websites. Huge thanks to Kim Miller, Middlepoint Press, Martín Espada, Steve Kuusisto and Ian Boyden for their contributions to the book’s publication.

3 Comments

  1. Tom Stiles

    Thanks for showing up in garish bio-regional clothing, and for sharing your personal and professional love and respect for Sam. May “new life challenges” indicate… new life.

  2. Karma Tenzing Wangchuk

    Sweet and true words, Paul. Thanks for all your good work–the same for all others involved. It looks like I’m going to be able to attend the launch party. Very glad for that! Best All Ways, Tenzing

  3. Splabman

    Not sure what you mean by “garish” but thanks for the kind words about Sam.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

dashed cool colors line

You May Also Like

Poet Spotlight: Andrew Schelling

Poet Spotlight: Andrew Schelling

I come to sing praises of another brilliant mind that we have the privilege of featuring in our programs! Andrew Schelling is a poet, translator, essay writer, and anthology editor. With multiple published titles, Schelling is a highly respected for his work with the...

Stephen Thomas Interview Part 2

Stephen Thomas Interview Part 2

The second half of our July 4, 2023 interview with Steven Thomas, former Seattle poet, co-founder of the Seattle Poetry Festival and former teacher at University Prep. He discussed his life, struggles with addictions, move to Germany and his latest book of poetry What is Between Us.

Poet Spotlight: Jan Zwicky

Poet Spotlight: Jan Zwicky

We are delighted to have the talented and award-winning Canadian poet, philosopher, author and musician Jan Zwicky participating at our 7th Cascadia Poetry Festival this upcoming October 6-8!  Jan Zwicky is a creative and intellectual force that has established...