tofino is located on the west coast of vancouver island. it is on the traditional territory of the tla-o-qui-aht first nation, and home to the nuu-chah-nulth peoples. it consists of a small, storm blown town, numerous beaches, and the first unesco biosphere region. it is notorious for its cold water surfing, and is a favored place for families, who return throughout their lives, like mine does.

almost all of the poems in this collection were written at mackenzie beach, where i stay in my van/portable studio at bella pacifica campground. two of the poems were written at the naa'waya'sum gardens. all of the photos are from mackenzie beach, except for the photo of the totem, which is located at anchor point. this cedar totem was carved by joe david. you can listen to joe david discuss the meaning of this totem here.

originally this collection was titled ‘3 may days’, and was composed in 2021. i spent 4 more days in tofino in 2022, and so the revised collection is titled ‘7 days/may’, as it includes poems from both visits.

if you have been to tofino, i hope this collection brings back special memories for you, and if you haven’t been, i hope it conveys some of the qualities of this remote place, as well as my deep affection for it.