Howl at the moonlight/bathe in the stars/the ancient lights that come from afar...
Howl at the moonlight/bathe in the stars/the ancient lights that come from afar...
With her arsenal of vintage typewriters, Sam Bones can often be found on the streets of Portland, Oregon, typing on-the-spot poems via prompts from those wanting a special personalized gift or what Sam calls a "Pocket Poem;" an uplifting poem to read anytime the healing power of poetry is called for. Sam is also a longtime henna practitioner and although she honors the temporary nature of henna body painting, she is thrilled to share a more tangible form of art, one that can be held, framed, and appreciated over-and-over.
Sam finds the immediacy of the challenge a thrill as do the total strangers sharing their stories. She may offer to read for you—-a combination of performance, language, and art into one extraordinary, moving experience for the recipient. Often, there is much laughter and sometimes, there are tears. It’s a poignant reminder of the powerful primal wave Sam’s poetry taps into to remind us just what it means to be human.
Personal, Intuitive Poetry
Hire Street Poet Sam for weddings, brand activation & product rollout as well as weddings and personal parties for that fun and exciting touch for your event.
Everyone needs a poem.
Call it art performance, entertainment, or a personal treat, Street Poet Sam guarantees one-of-a-kind, custom poems for you or your guests to keep as a memento from your wedding, birthday party, corporate event and more!
Commission Street Poet Sam for your custom poem or event!
Call for consultation (971)207-7508
How it began. I put this on my tip jar first day out.
Typewriter Day, Lan Su Chinese Garden
My beloved red/cream, 1960 Princess, made in Holland
Request for a poem in Spanish; "Viento" meaning wind. Displayed on client's altar
For a lovely young man who passed too soon
New Seasons, 2022, for a newly-minted rapper.
Oregon Country Fair 2023
Love poem for a gift
Any day is a great day for a surprise poem, just because.
Visitors often ask for a poem about Portland!
In front of the Bagdad, on-the-spot.
Speakeasy Sam with her 1928 Remington #2.
My Bagdad street location where they dubbed me "the Poetess"
In-house poet, Eryngium Papetrie, Vancouver WA
A love story for a parrot and rooster requested at Oregon Country Fair 2024.
My fav street typewriter, 1928 Corona 4-bank now retired.
I gifted this to my favorite grocery guy in 2022
Experiments in linotype. More to come!
Opening day, Portland Saturday Market, 2024
A fun commission for a b'day girl. Commissions start at $35 and include your choice of paper and a stamp for mailing.
This definitely brought laughter from the couple at the Salem Market of the Weird!
What People Are Saying
“I have known Sam Bones for several years and continue to be impressed and inspired by her creativity and enthusiasm for a wide variety of artistic expression. Inspired Type (Street Poet Sam) is just one of her many talents, and her on-the-spot poems never disappoint! Along with writing personalized poetry she is a fascinating conversationalist and performer. Grab the chance to meet this very cool woman and to inspire one of her poems. A most memorable experience for sure”
—Sherry B., Textile Artist
“Sam is absolutely magical! I highly recommend hiring her for parties or events! She makes up poems right on the spot based on what you ask for! Then she types it up on beautiful parchment paper for you to keep. it is such a unique and wonderful gift. You won't be disappointed!!”
—Joanna T., Photographer
“Sam is one of the most creative and courageous people I know. She is incredibly observant, insightful, intelligent, and resourceful. She combines all of her talents and channels them into on-the-spot poetry. What an extraordinary gift.”
—Jessica S., Maestra de español
“Sam Bones, thank you so much for the sweet, sweet poem! It was presented so beautifully. You’re very talented and creative, a true inspiration.”
—Janet D.
“Sam is one of the most delightful people I have ever met and her ability to make clients feel special and unique is a true talent! 10 out of 10 would recommend for function; it will be the highlight and create memories that will last!”
—Melissa G., Artist
“I actually felt like I was part of the wonderful poem Sam created for me. I’ve never in my life experienced such creative & spot-on poem writer. Sam’s brilliant with a typewriter!!!
—-Carolyn B., Portland Pretzel Company