Poetry

  • That Poem

    If your Inauguration morning was anything like mine, you had tears and coffee all over your face, especially after Amanda Gorman read her gorgeous poem. What a poem. What a poet. I can’t wait to see more from this powerhouse, starting with her first collection of poetry due out this autumn. Here’s the full text,… Continue reading

  • The Girl Who Goes Alone by Elizabeth Austen

    The other day I was doing some research for a job interview and I came across what is now my favorite poem. It is by former Washington State Poet Laureate Elizabeth Austen and it is the answer to every person (and there have been many) who has ever asked me why I am ok hiking… Continue reading

  • RIP Mary Oliver

    RIP Mary Oliver

    One of my favorite poets has died. Here is her obituary in the NY Times. And here is my favorite poem by her–possibly my favorite poem, period: Wild Geese You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. You only have… Continue reading

About Me

I’m Victoria Griffith and I am enthusiastic about a LOT of things. Pine trees and mushrooms and the desert. Mountains and motorcycles, travel and photography. Friendship and writing and books and surviving the love of your life’s terminal diagnosis.


I read constantly, think about reading obsessively, and have strong opinions about what makes a great memoir. I write about books here, and I’m working on one of my own.

I was born in Paterson, NJ, call Seattle home, and spend winters in the desert of Southern California, where the light is different and the ocotillos are doing something extraordinary. I try to get out and see as much of the world as time and money will allow.

If you’d like to say hi, you can reach me at vgriff@vgriff.com.

Newsletter