April is National Poetry Month, and islanders can celebrate the lovely literary form at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at Vashon Bookshop, with a book launch for Cal Kinnear’s newly published fifth book, “The Poem Is a Nomad.”

Kinnear’s poetry reading will be followed by an open mic, when attendees may read either one of their own poems or a favorite by another author.

For many years, Kinnear has contributed to Vashon’s lively poetry scene in numerous ways, including a two-year stint from 2015 to 2017 as one of Vashon’s poet laureates.

He has organized a poetry series for Voice of Vashon, chosen local poets for The Beachcomber’s monthly Poetry Well and served as a key organizer for Vashon’s popular community Poetry Festivals.

But according to current Vashon Poet Laureate Merna Ann Hecht, Kinnear shines most brightly through his written words.

“Cal’s poems give us a language that calms us and makes amends for the continual misuse of language as it appears in sound bites and nerve-wracking news,” Hecht said. “He serves as a guide as we travel with him through his wise and mysterious poems.”