Seattle's cityscape is getting a lyrical makeover this April with Poetry in Place, a new initiative led by Civic Poet Shin Yu Pai. The project, in honor of National Poetry Month, features the works of five local artists, including Joe Nasta, whose verse celebrates the Emerald City's commitment to sustainability and place.

In an effort to truly connect Seattleites with the words that speak of their home, Poetry in Place has made its mark across various neighborhoods. Among the pieces is Nasta's "Urban Bees, Blue Hour," a poem that urges city dwellers to not only embrace the urban ecology but also sustainably share in the spoils of their rooftop gardens and honeybee colonies. "Remember us tomorrow when you swirl your coffee and smear your toast with salmonberry jam," Nasta writes. This line, captured in postcards and posters available for download, resonates as an invitation to cherish and preserve the natural bounty amidst the concrete, as stated by the Seattle.gov.

The Slide Gallery in Belltown is currently exhibiting Nasta's contribution. Visitors can view the poem and take a piece of it home, digitally speaking, by visiting the campaign's website. The initiative is not just about beautiful words; it's a call to action for residents to engage with and reflect on their environment. The featured poetry is more than just decorative—it's an interactive element meant to foster a sense of community and stewardship over the city's green spaces and wildlife.

Seattle.gov's own Artbeat blog put it simply, "Our honey frames weigh heavy," an excerpt from "Urban Bees, Blue Hour," captures a snapshot of urban vitality and the collaborative spirit between nature and city life. As they learn to coexist more harmoniously, Seattleites can look to Nasta's work, and others like it, to remember the value of the land they live on and to dare to not only coexist but to thrive.

For more information on Shin Yu Pai's public poetry campaign and to download Nasta's poem, interested individuals can click here.