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Rita Priest reads poems about trees and democracy at governor-hosted evening
Summary
Rita Priest (introduced as having served as the state's sixth poet laureate) read poems connecting trees, community and democratic dialogue, closing her set with an image-heavy piece about listening and resilience. Her set referenced her teaching and community work and concluded with appreciative remarks from the poet laureate.
Introduced by Derek Sheffield as a former state poet laureate who had visited his campus, Rita Priest read a set of poems that connected trees, place and democratic practice. In framing a closing poem about civic conversation she wrote, "When we speak, whether or not we agree, the trees will turn the breath of our words from carbon dioxide back into air," using natural imagery to underline ideas about listening and public life.
She also noted her work with communities and teaching roles; Sheffield and Governor Ferguson praised her reading and the wider program of youth and civic poetry that followed. Priest's remarks and poems were presented as part of a broader celebration of poetry across generations and places.
