Marie Marchand has been writing poetry for 35 years to capture beauty in language and imagery to find healing for herself and the world. In April 2022, Marie was named the first Poet Laureate of Ellensburg, WA. In this role, she has given poetry readings and workshops to diverse audiences, including elders, youth, and people in recovery. For a listing of upcoming events, or to request a speaking engagement, visit the City of Ellensburg.
Marie’s poetry has been published in Crannóg Magazine, Catamaran Literary Reader, California Quarterly, Tikkun Magazine, San Diego Poetry Annual, Paterson Literary Review, Tiny Seed Journal, High Plains Register, Anti-Heroin Chic, and numerous chapbooks. Her 2018 book Pink Sunset Luminaries features 100 poems on love, nature, and the transcendent. Her new book Gifts to the Attentive was published by Winter Goose Publishing in May 2022.
She is a graduate of Naropa University and The Iliff School of Theology where she studied contemplative psychology, religion, and peacemaking. She believes poetry is a testament to the triumph of hope over despair. As a mental health advocate and person with lived experience, Marie writes as an act of resistance to painful life forces, as an affirmation of resilience.
She and her husband live on the sunny side of Washington with their two rescue min pins Benny and Joon. Marie’s son is an artist and snowboarder. She enjoys giving poetry workshops and readings. Contact her at marie@mishiepoet.com and follow her @mishiepoet.
Author Photos by Sami Jo Photo.