As raindrops fell gently on the roof of Dig Deep Garden’s greenhouse gallery, Margaret Roncone, Vashon’s new Poet Laureate, was installed in her honorary post in the flower and art-filled space last Sunday afternoon.

Those attending were treated to a feast of poetry readings by past Poet Laureates and island poet Jessika Satori.

Ann Spiers, Vashon’s inaugural Poet Laureate, read from her recent book, “Back Cut,” and also honored the memories of past Poet Laureates Lonny Kaneko and Ina Whitlock, who died in 2017 and 2018, by movingly reading works by each of them.

Susan Lynch, the island’s Poet Laureate in 2020-2021, read from her forthcoming first book, “Into the All Empty” (See “Arts Briefs, page 9.)

Sandra Noel, Vashon’s outgoing Poet Laureate, also read her work, and then, in a ceremony marked by whimsy, grace, and a touch of magic, installed Rancone in her new role.

Roncone is Vashon’s seventh Poet Laureate — a grassroots, community-organized program started by Ron Irvine, of Vashon Winery, 12 years ago.

Roncone’s poetry collection, “A Sleeve of Blue,” was published in 2022 by Goldfish Press; her poetry has also appeared in numerous anthologies and journals and was performed as part of the Pierce College 10-Mintue Play Program.

She hosted an open mic in Seattle for 10 years, on Vashon for two years, and curated a poetry series at Chief Seattle Club.

“I’m deeply honored and dazzled to be the new Poet Laureate of Vashon,” Roncone told the crowd of poetry lovers. “There are some deep footprints here to fill.”

She announced that she would begin a monthly series of open mic poetry readings to take place on the first Thursday of every month, with the first of these happening at 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 5, at Open Space for Arts & Community.

She’ll also encourage the participation of high school poets at the open mics, and work with teachers to appoint a Youth Poet Laureate, she said.

Among her other plans? To create a “Little Library” on Vashon, specifically for volumes of poetry, and coordinate ekphrastic events — where island poets write work inspired by visual art — with local galleries.

Roncone closed her brief speech, of course, with an untitled poem — one well suited to the rainy day occasion, but filled with the bright smiles and warm wishes of Vashon’s vibrant poetry community.

Today wind stalks rain

or is it the other way around?

When I think of this happening

as the earth tips on its axis

I am lightheaded

When I photograph rain

it appears as snow

I’m on a stage with angels

trimming their wings

wind forms green caverns in

the cedar

a thousand mouths opening

I listen but all I hear

is the stage floor creaking.

— Margaret Roncone