Bainbridge Island Poet Laureate Michele Bombardier welcomed guests to a poetry reading at the September 28th “Theodore Roethke and Bloedel Reserve: A Poet’s Place,” which honored renowned poet Theodore Roethke, who died there in 1963.

 Internationally acclaimed poet Tess Gallagher, one of Roethke’s students, shared poetry and memories with the Bloedel audience.

 Steve Stolee recreated Theodore Roethke in one of his legendary University of Washington poetry workshop in Island Theatre’s September 29 production of “First Class” by the late poet and Roethke student David Wagoner at the Bainbridge Public Library.

Watch a recording of the Bloedel Reserve reading here:

Theodore Roethke and Bloedel Reserve: A Poet’s Place. Sept. 28, 2024. A reading at the Bloedel Reserve commemorating poet Theodore Roethke, who died there in 1963. Featured poets: Tess Gallagher, Linda Bierds, Pimone Tiplett, Michele Bombardier