Naomi Shihab Nye & Kim Stafford: A Reading and Conversation
Join two beloved voices in American poetry for an evening of reading and conversation rooted in legacy, humanity, and the power of language.
Naomi Shihab Nye, one of the most adored poets of our generation, returns to Portland for a public reading. Drawing from her prolific body of work, she will share poems shaped by compassion, curiosity, and a deep regard for the everyday lives and the human condition that brings us together.
She is joined by Past Oregon Poet Laureate Kim Stafford, poet, teacher, and literary steward of his father William Stafford’s legacy. Kim will read from his own work, and together Naomi and Kim will enter into conversation about poetry as daily practice, influence, and how creativity can support us in uncertain times.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Sanctuary Hall at First Congregational UCC | 1126 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR
6:30-8:00pm (Book signing to follow)
ASL Interpreters provided
This special evening is presented by The Stafford Challenge and Wild Poet Events in partnership with Oregon Humanities and Lewis & Clark College. Books will be for sale, and a book signing with both poets will follow the program.