Sculptor, pencil artist, jeweler and gallery owner Colleen James has added another medium to her repertoire: poet.

The 40-year Lopez Island resident began publishing her poems in The Islands’ Weekly in 2018. After receiving positive feedback from readers, James sought the expertise of fellow artist Pat Torpie to help her create a published collection.

James’ book “Time With Me” features 63 poems that range from the irreverent to the poignant.

It is dedicated to her daughter Michele, granddaughter Colleen and late husband Doug, and is available at Lopez Bookstore and Gallery 10, both in the heart of Lopez Village.

Below is a sampling from the collection.

I sleep this way

I sleep this way on summer nights

A warm breeze as my cover

I sleep this way on winter nights

With or without a lover

I rarely sleep in the spring or the fall

So they love to tell me

That may be so

I really don’t care

Please …. just let me be