Oregon Public Broadcasting

Generally poets don’t make the news. But Portland poet Kim Stafford is the exception that proves the rule.

The Regional Arts & Culture Council just honored him with its highest individual honor -- and an accompanying $20,000 award.

Stafford directs the NW Writing Institute at Lewis & Clark College.

He has written a dozen books of poetry and prose, including Early Morning: Remembering My Father, William Stafford.

Kim Stafford has also been heard on OPB as an occasional commentator.

He recently sat down with OPB’s Allison Frost to talk about his plans and his poetry.

Two poems read by Kim Stafford 

Mrs. Smith .mp3

Beside the Road While Our Nation Is at War .mp3