Poetry in Public delights riders on King County Metro
A new era of community-based poetry is underway and literally rolling out on King County Metro’s buses and beyond.
Starting this month—National Poetry Month, Poetry in Public features poems on the theme Places of Landing on transit and online. Poet Planner Laura Da’ conceptualized the program’s theme with 4Culture. Da’ worked with Community Liaisons to encourage participation from King County residents of all ages and from the diverse perspectives of our region. The program’s message is that, “Everyone can be a poet, including you.”
Poets ranging from grade-school students to published writers submitted poems for consideration. More than 100 poems are available on Metro buses, Sound Transit light rail, online, and even at trailheads through a partnership with King County Parks.
Access and enjoy poems online
4Culture has a rotation of featured poets, including many poems read aloud in their original language. Other selected poems in written form and author photos are also available for enjoying all at once or throughout the year.
- Crave, Melany Bell, Seattle
- Squak Slough, Laura Lee Bennett, Redmond
- We Hear the Journey Written on the Waves, Duane Niatum, Seattle
Connecting to the Poets
Through Poetry in Public, everyone can celebrate local poetry and connect with the poets. Snap a picture when you see a poem and tag 4Culture. 4Culture will share the post and tag the poet. Use @kc4Culture on Instagram; and 4Culture on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.
A region’s love story with poetry
Poetry in Public is built on the 30-year foundation of Poetry on Buses. King County Metro and 4Culture are proud to continue their decades-long partnership.