I love Olympia.
The fingers of the Salish Sea hold thriving wildlife,
Hordes of salmon satisfy school children as they point and watch
From the Fifth Avenue Bridge. Jellyfish and sailboats, canoes and
Cranes, oysters, and osprey.
The brewery now brews Kombucha.
I love Olympia.
I can afford to live here.
I can walk downtown along green tree-lined streets
Where happy shop owners sell used furniture, records, and books.
I can take the bus to Burfoot and hike through the wild mossy forest
Down to the pristine, barnacled beach and look back at our state capitol
Where lawmakers are fair and compassionate.
All people thrive here.
We are safe, harmonious, and free.
And Quality Burrito has reopened.
I love Olympia.
Still a haven of acceptance.
Still a place where piercings and home dye jobs,
Thrifted fashions of decades past clad
Intelligent creatives. Where little kids still
Accompany their parents to punk shows and
State workers participate
in gigantic puppet shows in our beloved woods.
Still a place of peace and protest.
Still a place of wonder and inspiration.
Still a place of conservation and delight.
Carolyn Gilman teaches English, Creative Writing, and Journalism at Olympia High School. She’s lived in Olympia for more than 20 years.
Love it !!