As part of the Lansing Poet Laureate Program, the laureate produces a poem about Lansing. We are pleased to share here with you all, “Love Letter to Lansing–for all the farmers & community gardeners,” written by our Poet Laureate Emerita, Ruelaine Stokes. Ruelaine performed the poem for the first time on June 9, 2026, at our Creative Mixer, Poetry in Motion, that was held at UrbanBeat.

Love Letter to Lansing
—for all the farmers & community gardeners

each spring
the Symphony of Edible Plants
marches back on stage

the Sun keeps Time
urges first one, then another
then more to rise

1st Movement: (Allegro / Fast)

Asparagus stands up; points at the sky
Spinach follows, then Radishes
Peas; Early Greens

2nd Movement: (Adagio / Slow)

wait! Strawberries! can we all just stop & praise Strawberries?
oh, that we lived to meet this day!

Intermission

there is no intermission

3rd Movement: (Dance)

wave to the 1st Legions of Zucchini
salute Green Beans & Corn
can Tomatoes

4th Movement: (Finale)

oh, Crazy Cruciferous
oh, Apples/Pumpkins/Squash
don’t forget Root Vegetables

After Party

I’ll tell you my mother’s recipe
if you tell me yours

—Ruelaine Stokes
Lansing Poet Laureate, 2024-2026

(Artwork “Farmers Market,” by Lucy Synk)