James Rodgers
Poet Laureate 2021-2023
The old Irish expression about those who have “kissed the Blarney stone” could be true of poet James Rodgers, whose humor, wit, and eloquence dance effortlessly through the words in his poetry.
The City of Auburn is proud to announce that James Rodgers has been selected as Auburn’s honorary 2021-2023 Poet Laureate, recommended by the Auburn Arts Commission and appointed by the Mayor.
The City of Auburn Poet Laureate recognizes and honors a poet of exceptional talent and accomplishment and encourages the public to appreciate poetry and literary life in Auburn. Nominees for the Poet Laureate position must reside in South King County or North Pierce County and shall be actively engaged in Auburn' s creative community for at least one year prior to their appointment. Former Poets Laureate of the City of Auburn include: Dick Brugger (2012-2014), Marjorie Rommel (2015-2017), and Susan Landgraf (2018-2020).
James Rodgers is a prolific poet living in Pacific, WA for more than two decades, and has been in the Pacific Northwest his entire life. While James prefers humor, he writes all kinds of poetry, with a focus on music, humor, kids, travel, and so much more, along with many song lyrics waiting to have music attached to them. James has three self-published chapbooks, and has had poems published by Prism Magazine, Ha!, Poets of the Kent Canterbury Faire, Fly By Night Press, WPA Members Anthology, Wrist, Raven Chronicles, Washington English Journal, and over 30 more. James’ first full book of poetry, They Were Called Records, Kids was released by MoonPath Press in 2018. He was also the winner of the WPA Charles Proctor Award for Humor in 2005, and honorable mention on two other occasions.
James is a member of the Auburn Poetry Group, Striped Water Poets, and is a regular reader at the Rainbow Readings held on the first Monday of each month at the Rainbow Café in Auburn, and has been a featured reader there multiple times. He was also featured at Auburn’s Poets on the Ave event at the Auburn Avenue Theater for April Poetry Month, curated by Marjorie Rommel.
Rodgers is a very talented and respected poet with a long-time commitment to Auburn’s literary arts community. He has a passion for poetry, positive personality, and charisma that the Auburn Arts Commission believes is be perfectly suited for his role as Auburn’s Poet Laureate!
James Rodgers Bio (PDF)
Selected Poems by James Rodgers:
Past Poets Laureate
About the City of Auburn Poet Laureate Position
The City of Auburn Poet Laureate position was established by City Ordinance 6383 in 2011 to recognize and honor a citizen poet of exceptional talent and accomplishment. The term of service for Auburn’s Poet Laureate is three years. The award is honorific; there is no financial compensation for the position. The Auburn Arts Commission forwards recommendations of qualified applicants to the Mayor for final selection and appointment.
The Auburn Poet Laureate is encouraged to promote the appreciation of poetry and literary life in Auburn through events and opportunities that invite the public to engage with poetry and literature. The Poet Laureate is also invited to participate in various City of Auburn public openings and events throughout the three year term.
For more information on the Auburn Poet Laureate program contact us at [email protected].
For information on other City of Auburn Arts opportunities visit our Call to Artists page.