William Stafford honored in Newport

The Friends of William Stafford are honoring the former Oregon Poet Laureate’s 111th birthday with “Keeping Ourselves Strong: The Poetry of William Stafford,” a gathering at Newport Public Library this Saturday, Jan. 4.

A poet, writer, teacher, lifelong pacifist and World War II conscientious objector, Stafford died in 1993. His legacy lives on with his writings and birthday month celebrations around the globe.

“It amazes me that people continue to support these readings which have been an annual event for at least the 26 years in which I've lived in Newport,” said event organizer Cynthia Jacobi. “It’s really heartwarming to know that people still care about his writings. He intrigues us to be better people.”

Stafford explored questions of how we can relate to the world and how we can best find our place in it. Most of his poems are brief and plain spoken.

In his own words: “You don’t need a lot of words when you know what you are talking about.”

His poems are said to be accessible, often written in a conversational manner.

“You can understand him most of the time but he is also quite mystical,” Jacobi said. “My favorite of his works, “Travelling Through the Dark.” is one of his most well-known poems.”

During his time as a conscientious objector, Stafford spent time in a work camp in California, an experience he wrote about in the book, “Down in my Heart.” He is also the author of “Every War Has Two Losers.”

To honor Stafford’s legacy, the public is invited to share a personal favorite Stafford poem or memory, or poem of their own, and to learn more about this extraordinary Oregonian.

Saturday’s event runs from 2 to 4 pm at Newport Public Library, located at 35 NW Nye Street. For more information, go to newportoregon.gov or call 541-265-2153.