Printed Matter Vancouver (PMV) provides writing and editing services and coaching to poets and prose writers who want support and straight talk. PMV provides a small press service. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.
$5 Suggested donation No one will be turned away for lack of funds
Donations can be made in person or through Christopher Luna’s CashApp account (ChristopherLuna9).
Brian Stephen Ellis is the author of five collections of poetry and one collection of short fiction. His most recent collection of poems, Against Common Sense, is a finalist for the Oregon Book Award. He is also the recipient of the 2014 William Stafford War No More Award. He lives in Portland, Oregon.
Send an email to printedmattervancouver@gmail.com or visit
to register to receive The Work, Christopher Luna’s monthly newsletter featuring news and events for poets in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR and surrounding areas.
The Ghost Town Poetry community respectfully encourages you to support Niche Wine Bar, whose owner, Leah Jackson, provided a home for the reading series from 2015-2020. Stop by their new location at 900 Washington, Suite 130 Vancouver, WA 98660: https://nichewinebar.com.
$5 Suggested donation No one will be turned away for lack of funds
Donations can be made in person or through Christopher Luna’s PayPal account (christopherjluna@gmail.com). Include a memo stating that the money is for Ghost Town Poetry.
Janis Harrington is a poet living in North Carolina. Her poetry collection, How to Cut a Woman in Half, written as a novel in verse, was a finalist for the Able Muse Book Award. Her first book, Waiting for the Hurricane, is a collection of narrative poems about three generations of a family and the dark secrets they keep. It won the 2017 Lena Shull Book Award, given by the North Carolina Poetry Society. Her work has appeared in anthologies and literary journals, including Tar River Poetry, Journal of the American Medical Association, and North Carolina Literary Review. She won the 2023 James Applewhite Poetry Contest sponsored by the North Carolina Literary and Historical Association. She co-hosts a monthly poetry reading series at an independent bookstore.
According to Victor Griggs, “I am from the Pacific Northwest. I always love writing but I really started taking seriously during The pandemic. Never give up on your dreams. For more information about me and my work please visit futurelegs.net.”
Book description from Victor’s website: Rolling Through Life chronicles Victor Griggs’ reflections from 2019-2021, set against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the solitude of quarantine, intensified by his personal challenges with cerebral palsy, Victor immersed himself in the details, stories, and thoughts he lived with each day. This short collection of poetry and prose is a tribute to his resilience and introspection during those times of isolation.
to register to receive The Work, Christopher Luna’s monthly newsletter featuring news and events for poets in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR and surrounding areas.
The Ghost Town Poetry community respectfully encourages you to support Niche Wine Bar, whose owner, Leah Jackson, provided a home for the reading series from 2015-2020. Stop by their new location at 900 Washington, Suite 130 Vancouver, WA 98660: https://nichewinebar.com.
UPDATED Statement on Healthy Spaces from Art at the Cave: We want to provide a healthy space to enjoy art. We have been practicing safety precautions such as regular cleaning, social distancing and mask wearing. As a result of the removal of the mask mandate effective March 12, 2022, we will no longer require the wearing of masks. We encourage you to continue to wear a mask if it makes you feel more comfortable, and we will supply masks and hand sanitizer at the door. As social distancing has become a norm, please be mindful some will still need a bit of personal space while inside the gallery.
During Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic at Art At The Cave on April 10, Elise Hoeskstra shared a powerful and moving poem about what it is like to be autistic. We are proud to publish it here because we believe her writing can help the community to have more compassion and understanding for their neurodivergent family, friends, and neighbors.
Elise introduced the poem by saying, “As an adult with Autism, I have been attempting to articulate what is ubiquitous in my daily life through writing. One of the topics that popped up was sensory overload, a phrase that has general meaning, but what did that mean specifically? This poem is a breakdown of what sensory overload looks like for me.”
Elise Hoekstra reads her poetry at Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic on April 10, 2025
Stimulation
Hearing: Noise buzzes, seemingly louder with every second. I can’t focus. Individual voices blur. It’s irritating at best. One loud noise won’t simply do it, but many. Like waves braided together, crashing into the back of my head.
Sight: Light shines, eyes squint like staring into the sun, lowlights calm ere white brightness prevails. Yet the sun of California does not bother me.
Smell: Candles. Pungent peonies burning in the background, coats my throat leaving it soar, sits in my clothes, gives me a headache. Grumpy at best.
Touch: Heavy hot air, sweat on the skin, rosacea, drives me crazy. Uncomfortable clothes. Pants, shirts, and skirts that don’t lay just right. Fabrics!
Taste: The feeling of raw octopus on my tongue. The gift of a three year olds germs that leave bogey mucus molded to my throat.
Bio: Elise is a bookworm at heart and was inspired to write based on the vast collection of different works that she has explored as a special education teacher, poet, and avid lover of YA novels. Learning to sing before she could speak, Elise loves to write music, as songs just pop into her head. She has performed collegiately in choir and is an active choral member at Clark College. She serves on the board and is an active thespian for Starbird Theatre. Elise also enjoys coaching high school wrestling. She is also first generation Dutch and was diagnosed late in life with ASD and ADHD. It is her dream to see her work inspire and form connections in the neurodivergent community.
This play is based on the true story of women who worked at the Radium Dial Company in the 1920s, painting watch dials with radium-based paint. The women initially took pride in their work, but soon developed severe health issues from the toxic exposure. The play follows Catherine Donohue as she becomes aware of the harmful effects of radium and struggles with her own illness while seeking justice for herself and her co-workers. It explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the fight against corporate negligence. Catherine and the other women ultimately challenge the company, demanding accountability for the suffering they endured. The play highlights the human cost of industrial progress and the courage of those who fought for workers’ rights and justice.
Local poets Christopher Luna, Eric Fair-Layman, Debra Elisa, Elmo Shade, and Clark County Poet Laureate Susan Dingle shared their work with thousands of fellow Americans who filled Esther Short Park in Vancouver, WA on April 5 to express their displeasure with the Trump administration’s fascist policies and agenda. Similar events happened in cities across the country that day.
Local emcees Eric Fair-Layman and Debra Elisa (Humble Poets Open Mic), Christopher Luna (Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic), and Susan Dingle (Poetry Street PNW)
Clark County Poet Laureate Susan Dingle with Eric Fair-Layman and Debra Elisa
Join us in the fight to uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach.
On February 5th, #50501 raised our voices. The first #50501 protests were a decentralized rapid response to the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies. The idea—50 protests in 50 states on 1 day—was born on r/50501 and spread rapidly on social media.
In just days, grassroots organizers—without any budget, centralized structure, or official backing—pulled off over 80 peaceful protests in all 50 states. Twelve days later, tens of thousands of Americans declared “No Kings Day” and protested once more. On March 4th, a call to stand up for democracy was answered with another wave of protests.
Our movement shows the world that the American working class will not sit idly by as plutocrats rip apart their democratic institutions and civil liberties while undermining the rule of law.
Poets Eric Fair-Layman, Christopher Luna, and Susan Dingle enjoy the guest speakers.
Eric Fair-Layman and Christopher Luna
Proud veteran and poet Diane Cammer
Christopher Luna with Clyde Holloway, former proprietor of So Many Books, which later became Cover To Cover Books, home of Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic for many years
Hector Hinojosa
Hector Hinojosa
Eric Fair-Layman performs his poetry.
Here are the poems shared by Christopher Luna that afternoon:
Donations can be made in person or through Christopher Luna’s PayPal account (christopherjluna@gmail.com). Include a memo stating that the money is for Ghost Town Poetry.
Morgan Paige is a poet, visual artist and entrepreneur living in the woods in so-called Washington State. Her recently self-published book of memoir poetry, Blue Morpho, details her journey to Costa Rica in 2018 to work with Ayahuasca to gain self knowledge while understanding how to transmute past trauma into acceptance and love.
In 2020, Paige joined Christopher Luna as co-host for Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic, happening every second Thursday at Art at the Cave in downtown Vancouver, WA. Ghost Town Poetry celebrated 20 years in November 2024.
Paige launched a retreat center in summer 2024 on the river in Kalama, WA centered around nature and creative community, hosting wellness retreats and family gatherings in spring/summer and an artist residency in the fall/winter months.
Follow her poetry @morganpaigepoetry and business @woodenbridgeretreats & Bridgekeepers.community
Send an email to printedmattervancouver@gmail.com or visit
to register to receive The Work, Christopher Luna’s monthly newsletter featuring news and events for poets in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR and surrounding areas.
The Ghost Town Poetry community encourages you to support Niche Wine Bar, whose owner, Leah Jackson, provided a home for the reading series from 2015-2020. Stop by their new location at 900 Washington, Suite 130 Vancouver, WA 98660: https://nichewinebar.com.
UPDATED Statement on Healthy Spaces from Art at the Cave: We want to provide a healthy space to enjoy art. We have been practicing safety precautions such as regular cleaning, social distancing and mask wearing. As a result of the removal of the mask mandate effective March 12, 2022, we will no longer require the wearing of masks. We encourage you to continue to wear a mask if it makes you feel more comfortable, and we will supply masks and hand sanitizer at the door. As social distancing has become a norm, please be mindful some will still need a bit of personal space while inside the gallery.
Here are some photos from the event:
Morgan shares poems from Blue Morpho
Robin Crocker
Robin Crocker reads his poetry
Ghost Town Poetry regular Matthew Eiford-Schroeder shares some cowboy poetry with the crowd
Donations can be made in person or through Christopher Luna’s PayPal account (christopherjluna@gmail.com). Include a memo stating that the money is for Ghost Town Poetry.
This month’s featured reader has been attending Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic since the series was founded by Christopher Luna in November 2004. According to Jim Martin, “I was born here, in downtown Vancouver, on September 8, 1938. I’ve traveled around the world in various ways, but have always known that Vancouver is, for me, Home.
“In my travels through school, home, Clark County, and the World’s Oceans, my original world view of people, acquired at age nine, has been constantly affirmed: In large measure, we are all People, just People. That helped me to not become distracted by wealth or image, and freed me to spend a good part of my life thinking about Life, especially Human Life vs. All Other Species’ Life. A long journey, but it is paying off, even today, when we are governed by people who have neither the skills, nor an appreciation for the Writers of the Constitution’s concern that we might not increase in our ability to think clearly. Today, around the World, there is a large volume of people who are, in their own ways, moving back to knowing their neighbors, working together with all who wish to build a better World.
“During my working years, when I wasn’t tracing the paths, dinners, and behaviors of animals like crabs and snails, I also worked many hours each week helping K-12 teachers to become comfortable with teaching science. During that time, I discovered some wonderful ‘Happy Places’ where students, on their own, would find exciting questions to follow up on in inquiries they designed themselves. And to drift into thoughts about the lives and activities they discovered in those places.”
Send an email to printedmattervancouver@gmail.com or visit
to register to receive The Work, Christopher Luna’s monthly newsletter featuring news and events for poets in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR and surrounding areas.
The Ghost Town Poetry community respectfully encourages you to support Niche Wine Bar, whose owner, Leah Jackson, provided a home for the reading series from 2015-2020. Stop by their new location at 900 Washington, Suite 130 Vancouver, WA 98660: https://nichewinebar.com.
UPDATED Statement on Healthy Spaces from Art at the Cave: We want to provide a healthy space to enjoy art. We have been practicing safety precautions such as regular cleaning, social distancing and mask wearing. As a result of the removal of the mask mandate effective March 12, 2022, we will no longer require the wearing of masks. We encourage you to continue to wear a mask if it makes you feel more comfortable, and we will supply masks and hand sanitizer at the door. As social distancing has become a norm, please be mindful some will still need a bit of personal space while inside the gallery.
Brittany Mishra’s poem from last week’s Tuesday Zoom edition of the Work is so important that I have decided to share it here. Brittany writes, Please share widely. The more people that know this, maybe the sooner we can make this place better.”
United States of—
While the West was burning— while tall, white orders were being signed— a child was married to a man.
Sometimes, modern still has the same m sound as medieval. All this time, I’ve believed in possibility— I’ve lived in possibility. But this— this is really where we are—
***Unchained At Last, an organization dedicated to ending forced and child marriage in the United States, found marriage licenses for 232,474 children between 2000 and 2018. Learn more here: https://www.unchainedatlast.org/
In the interest of everyone’s safety, Art At The Cave, featured reader Victor Griggs, and I have decided to cancel tonight’s event. Stay tuned for information about when Victor’s reading will be rescheduled. My hope is to invite Victor to participate in a double feature with one of our upcoming featured readers. Double features are fun.
While we’re waiting, why not purchase a copy of Victor’s book Rolling Through Life
Donations can be made in person or through Christopher Luna’s PayPal account (christopherjluna@gmail.com). Include a memo stating that the money is for Ghost Town Poetry.
According to Victor Griggs, “I am from the Pacific Northwest. I always love writing but I really started taking seriously during The pandemic. Never give up on your dreams. For more information about me and my work please visit futurelegs.net.”
Book description from Victor’s website: Rolling Through Life chronicles Victor Griggs’ reflections from 2019-2021, set against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the solitude of quarantine, intensified by his personal challenges with cerebral palsy, Victor immersed himself in the details, stories, and thoughts he lived with each day. This short collection of poetry and prose is a tribute to his resilience and introspection during those times of isolation.
Send an email to printedmattervancouver@gmail.com to receive The Work, Christopher Luna’s monthly newsletter featuring news and events for poets in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR and surrounding areas.
The Ghost Town Poetry community respectfully encourages you to support Niche Wine Bar, whose owner, Leah Jackson, provided a home for the reading series from 2015-2020. Stop by their new location at 900 Washington, Suite 130 Vancouver, WA 98660: https://nichewinebar.com. UPDATED Statement on Healthy Spaces from Art at the Cave: We want to provide a healthy space to enjoy art. We have been practicing safety precautions such as regular cleaning, social distancing and mask wearing. As a result of the removal of the mask mandate effective March 12, 2022, we will no longer require the wearing of masks. We encourage you to continue to wear a mask if it makes you feel more comfortable, and we will supply masks and hand sanitizer at the door. As social distancing has become a norm, please be mindful some will still need a bit of personal space while inside the gallery.
Book cover artwork by Christopher Luna, Toni Lumbrazo Luna and Morgan Paige
To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic, Printed Matter Vancouver founders Christopher Luna and Toni Lumbrazo Luna co-edited a third anthology of poems from the series with series co-host Morgan Paige.
Ghost Town Poetry Volume Three features poems, memories, and photographs from throughout our two-decade history.
You can order the book directly from us by sending $20 via CashApp (ChristopherLuna9), PayPal (search for me via christopherjluna@gmail.com), or Venmo (username @Christopher-Luna-66).
Sticker designed by Morgan Paige featuring Christopher Luna’s self portrait
Many thanks to Morgan Paige for handling our Kickstarter campaign and for designing the book.
We are very grateful to all of our contributors and to all the peopl in our community and across the country who donated to our Kickstarter. We are especially thankful to Art At The Cave owner Anne John for her generous donation which made the book possible.
Donations can be made in person or through Christopher Luna’s PayPal account (christopherjluna@gmail.com). Include a memo stating that the money is for Ghost Town Poetry.
Allie Marini is a Florida woman, cross-genre writer, visual artist, maker, and tarot reader. She runs Creepy Girl Trap PDX, where she dresses goths & slings cards. Find her online: @creepygirltrap.pdx / www.alliemarini.com / www.creepygirltrap.com
Brennan DeFrisco is a poet, teaching artist, voice actor, and arts coordinator from the San Francisco Bay Area. He’s been a National Poetry Slam finalist, a Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net nominee, and likes to spend time drinking coffee with Allie & their cat, Bitsy.
Send an email to printedmattervancouver@gmail.com to receive The Work, Christopher Luna’s monthly newsletter featuring news and events for poets in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR and surrounding areas.
The Ghost Town Poetry community respectfully encourages you to support Niche Wine Bar, whose owner, Leah Jackson, provided a home for the reading series from 2015-2020. Stop by their new location at 900 Washington, Suite 130 Vancouver, WA 98660: https://nichewinebar.com.
UPDATED Statement on Healthy Spaces from Art at the Cave: We want to provide a healthy space to enjoy art. We have been practicing safety precautions such as regular cleaning, social distancing and mask wearing. As a result of the removal of the mask mandate effective March 12, 2022, we will no longer require the wearing of masks. We encourage you to continue to wear a mask if it makes you feel more comfortable, and we will supply masks and hand sanitizer at the door. As social distancing has become a norm, please be mindful some will still need a bit of personal space while inside the gallery.
PRINTED MATTER VANCOUVER 