Michelle Doege

Michelle Doege’s debut book of poems, Root of Light (Shanti Arts, 2023), explores border crossings and migrations, the weavings of ancestors and trees, and the boldness of living one’s truest life. Her story “End of a Rainbow” appears in Wherever I Find Myself:  Stories of Canadian Immigrant Women (Caitlin Press, 2017) and her “Siva’s Fire” was shortlisted for the Malahat Review’s Constance Rooke Creative Nonfiction Prize (2021 & 2022). She holds an MFA in poetry/mixed genre writing from Augsburg College (Minneapolis). Michelle also finds great joy in layering her poems with visual art, in broadsides or video collaborations. In her community—on Syilx territory in what is now Vernon, BC―she is a featured poet in Why We Write: Poets of Vernon (2021) and Co-founder/Organizer of the Valley Voices Reading Series.

My Story

My journey as a writer has not always been easy. I can doubt what I write, the too common question: Is it "good enough"? But when I sit down at my desk, immerse myself in a story or poem, I feel engaged and alive. When I write what is true for me, I feel connected, emboldened and empowered, in a quiet kind of way. Sharing our stories connects us, one to another. It is our authentic sharing, as Rumi reflects, where we meet in the field of our shared humanity.

Reading and my education expanded my world, changed my life. When I took my first public speaking class in university, I was both terrified and energized. In creative writing classes, I read and wrote my first stories and poems. I took a class on "artist as leader and visionary in the world," illuminating the power of the creative, which has influenced me greatly over the years.  

I had models of creative and inspiring teachers, which inspired me to then become a teacher. I taught English and writing, gender and diversity courses, at colleges and universities in the US and Canada. I wanted to inspire students to also be cracked open by learning, to think critically and embolden their voices. In the small gaps between teaching, I wrote poems and stories, similar to my musings.

Years of teaching and writing encouraged growth in my confidence and comfort with my voice. I also knew I needed to hone my craft, to grow my skills as a poet and writer, so I completed a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Poetry and Mixed-Genre writing at Augsburg College. My thesis, after a few revisions, became my first book of poems, Root of Light (Shanti Arts, 2022).

When I was young, I'd lay in bed and look up at posters of beautiful images with inspiring words. Maybe not surprising then, I engage in traditional book arts -- pairing my photo of a natural scene with one of my poems, in a  broadside. I created a chapbook in memory of my father and his trailer park community. I've taken up print-making and aspire to merge my prints with companion poems. 

It is never enough for me, to be a solitary writer –- tapping away on my keys in my writing and creative space. A part of me is always drawn into community -- to sharing and listening, learning and discussing, celebrating – together. It matters that I nurture and support other writers. So you'll find me out, offering and organizing community events – local readings and writing workshops.

Audre Lorde, and her quote below, has inspired and guided me for most of my life, especially in relation to my writing. It is the bold women writers of my early years –- Alice Walker, Adrienne Rich, Natalie Goldberg, Joy Harjo and Hildegard of Bingen, among others — that gave me a vision, an image of what might be possible, for me, in my life. I am living into that vision. I have them to thank, amongst many, many others on my journey.

My Creative Ancestors

To draw on Joy Harjo’s phrase, we have creative and poetic ancestors who have nourished us along the way. Below are some of my writing & creative ancestors: