We have a mission: to get you in the audience for sponsor Seattle Arts & Lectures's Poetry Series. This year, they're bringing some amazing names to the stage, including the blindingly talented Paisley Rekdal and Young People's Poet Laureate Naomi Shihab Nye. The SAL series blends the very well known (Natalie Diaz, Richard Kenney) with new voices, and pairs locals with imports for a Q&A after each reading. Show up for the series, and you'll get a tasting menu of what's current in verse.

The question of whether poetry matters is a tired old argument. Poetry is endlessly adaptable to the needs of whatever time we're in. Poets adapt endlessly, and serve up language with infinite variety. And SAL has a lens on it all.

Check out the full list of names for this year's Poetry Series on our sponsor feature page, then reserve your seats today.

You're part of the best book city in the world, and we want everyone to know who you are. Grab one of the last dates in June and July and put your book, event, retreat, or class in front of our readers. We'd love to see you in this space.