Poetry in Public: Places of Landing explores journeys and destinations

Published by 4Culture on March 12, 2025

Poetry in Public: Places of Landing explores journeys and destinations

A bus parked on a tree-lined street has the words PLACES OF LANDING on its side. Nearby, people stand at a table under green trees. A person with a red backpack walks along the pathway in the foreground. — King County Metro’s Poetry Bus at a poetry showcase at Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias, part of the 2024 Seattle Center Festál series. Poetry in Public: Places of Landing, 2023–2025. King County, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: Timothy Aguero Photography

In the two years since 4Culture and King County Metro launched the latest iteration of the beloved Poetry in Public program, it has featured poems written by 120 King County residents, uplifting local voices.

Formerly known as Poetry on Buses, the program has been enlivening commutes since 1992. For the 2023–2025 iteration, the program was renamed to better reflect its expansion into other modes of transit and public spaces. Here’s a look at what Poetry in Public has been up to lately!

A woman reads poetry with a microphone in front of a bus displaying “Poetry in Public.” Next to her, two people stand smiling in front of another bus with the same sign. Trees are visible in the background. — LEFT: A poet reading next to King County Metro’s Poetry Bus during a poetry showcase at Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias, part of the 2024 Seattle Center Festál series. Poetry in Public: Places of Landing, 2023–2025. King County, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: Timothy Aguero Photography. RIGHT: Poets and King County Metro’s Poetry Bus during a poetry showcase at Pista sa Nayon at Seward Park Amphitheater. Poetry in Public: Places of Landing, 2023–2025. King County, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: Timothy Aguero Photography

Poet Planner Laura Da’ developed the theme Places of Landing to honor the movements, places, and feelings that shape our days. In 2023, she and the program’s Community Liaisons facilitated a workshop series designed to inspire people to engage with the theme. During the workshops, poetry activities highlighted traditions connected to African American, Chinese, Filipino, Indigenous, Spanish-speaking, and youth communities. Workshops took place at many locations throughout King County, including festivals, cultural hubs, teen centers, libraries, and online and hybrid formats.

A collage of four photos shows people at an event: two individuals reading at microphones on stage, one woman speaking passionately, and two people arranging items on a table with plants and flowers. — Drop In Poetry Event at The Roadhouse, Sound Transit Art Program’s performing arts space. Poetry in Public: Places of Landing, 2023–2025. King County, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: Timothy Aguero Photography

Hundreds of King County residents responded to an open call for poems interpreting the theme Places of Landing in late 2023. Then, beginning in April 2024, poems selected by a panel of local literary leaders were featured on King County Metro buses and Sound Transit light rail trains, at King County Parks trailheads, and on 4Culture’s social media platforms.

A collage of four images: people screen printing a sign that reads LANDING IS LOVELY; a close-up of a hand writing with a blue pen; a girl with a highlighter listening intently; and a group working at a table together. — TOP ROW + BOTTOM LEFT: Youth Community Poetry Workshop at Redmond Old Fire House Teen Center. Poetry in Public: Places of Landing, 2023–2025. King County, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: Timothy Aguero Photography. BOTTOM RIGHT: Filipino Community Poetry Workshop at the Columbia Branch of The Seattle Public Library. Poetry in Public: Places of Landing, 2023–2025. King County, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: Timothy Aguero Photography

To celebrate the selected poems, Poetry in Public hosted an open mic session in collaboration with Hugo House. Additional poetry showcases followed throughout the summer and fall of 2024, produced in partnership with community organizations throughout the region.

A collage of four images from a Places of Landing poetry event, featuring speakers at a podium and an attendee viewing a wall of papers with text. Event branding is visible on a large screen. — An open mic event and poetry showcase at Hugo House. Poetry in Public: Places of Landing, 2023–2025. King County, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: Timothy Aguero Photography

Bedecked with Poetry in Public branding and a selection of poems curated by Da’, King County Metro’s Poetry Bus acted as an immersive stage where poets could connect with one another and read their Places of Landing pieces. The Poetry Bus made special appearances at cultural festivals, including Pista Sa Nayon at Seward Park Amphitheater as well as Fiestas Patrias and Festival Sundiata at the Seattle Center.

Four photos of people performing and reading poetry on a public bus. Passengers listen as speakers read aloud, with a backdrop sign reading “Places of Landing.” A microphone and papers are visible in some images. — TOP LEFT: Readings inside King County Metro’s Poetry Bus during a poetry showcase at Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias, part of the 2024 Seattle Center Festál series. Poetry in Public: Places of Landing, 2023–2025. King County, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: Timothy Aguero Photography. TOP RIGHT: Readings inside King County Metro’s Poetry Bus during a poetry showcase at Festival Sundiata, part of the 2024 Seattle Center Festál series. Poetry in Public: Places of Landing, 2023–2025. King County, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: Timothy Aguero Photography. BOTTOM ROW: Readings inside King County Metro’s Poetry Bus during a poetry showcase at Pista sa Nayon at Seward Park Amphitheater. Poetry in Public: Places of Landing, 2023–2025. King County, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: Timothy Aguero Photography

April is National Poetry Month, and we’ll be celebrating the accomplishments of Poetry in Public: Places of Landing as it comes to an end. We encourage you to visit our Storefront Media Gallery over the course of the month as we display a selection of poems that we hope will inspire you to write your own poetry. For more guidance, check out our poetry prompts or visit 4Culture to pick up a Places of Landing poetry prompt booklet!