The Lincoln Poetry Club had a rare treat last Sunday when B.K. (Betty) England stepped to the microphone and regaled the crowd with nearly an hour of nostalgic Western-theme poetry as guest poet.

England is well known for her equine artwork, which has graced magazine covers, illustrated articles and hangs in many private collections throughout the country. It is less known that she is also an accomplished writer.

Her “country” roots run deep, as she was raised on a small farm in Wenatchee, Wash. Those idyllic days spent growing up among the horses, ponies and people who worked on the farm shaped who she is as an adult.

She had art classes at Wenatchee Valley College and more at Washington State University, but it is her early years on the farm that she credits with pointing her toward horses as her main subject in her art and writing.

She moved to California in the 1970s, after her marriage, and felt immediately at home in Placer County. She co-hosts the KAHI Corral on a local radio station and was recently featured on the PBS California Heartland series. In 2004, she was honored with the Auburn Cultural Award.

After painting for many years, she began writing poetry in 1990 as a gift for her ailing father. At his urging and those of a few others who had read it, she submitted her first poem, “Dandy Darlin’ – or Husband’s Lament” to Western Horseman Magazine, and was surprised and delighted when it was chosen for publication. That early success spurred her on and she has written many more, which have garnered her prizes along the way, including the Clark Ashton Smith Grand Prize in the fifth annual Sierra Foothills poetry contest.

“I think I’ve always had it in my brain that ‘real’ poetry should be really deep, but, mine isn’t like that. I understand it and you can too,” said England as she launched into her first offering, the humorous “Dandy Darlin’.”

From there, she continued with “Old Rockin’ Chair,” which chronicled her father’s late-in-life return to the saddle on a beloved old Tennessee Walker mare. The remaining time flew by and many in the crowd found themselves moved alternately to both laughter and tears several times by her poetic reminiscences.

England completed her set with “Good Girl,” and showed the large, loose-leaf paperback book that she has self-published. It is filled with her poetry and profusely illustrated in full color with her artwork. Though she had neglected to bring copies with her, she noted that copies are available for $20 through her Web site at www.bkenglandart.net. Those without Internet access can reach her at 663-1211 to order.

After a brief break with refreshments provided by Lincoln Friends of the Library, who sponsor the club meetings, the Open Mic portion of the afternoon commenced with Sandra Bozarth, who read “Night Watch,” about the recent storms in the area. She followed it with “Thoughts on the Death of a Spider.”

Patti Berg came next, offering “Ode to an Aging Golfer,” which she wrote for a friend; “Voting Rights;” and the bittersweet, “How Do I Love Thee?,” which she had written for her husband shortly before his death.

Jim Nolt followed, wearing a sash made of hemp rope with gold lettering declaring him the “Poet Lariat” of the group. His humorous though thoughtful poems explored themes of political gamesmanship, maxims and love.

David Anderson gave an update on the online poetry writing program which he is taking part in before offering “Where Plovers Complain,” “Mount Diablo,” and another for which he had no title.

The youngest poet in attendance, Michael Govea, followed, choosing two happy poems in honor of Valentine’s Day, about a cousin’s wedding and an old friend.

Tommie Moller read “Packie,” a charming fable that she had written years ago for her son.

Sue Clark wrapped up the Open Mic session by reading her absent grandson’s poem, “A Rancher’s Life.”

Club member and Friends of the Library representative, Shirley Russell, announced that the seventh annual Poetry Place event, which showcases and honors the work of young local writers, is scheduled for April 7. Another event, a huge book sale, will be at the new Twelve Bridges library from noon to 4 p.m. May 17.

Clark reminded those in attendance that the next meeting, which is free and open to the public, will be at the Salt Mine building on the corner of Sixth and Highway 65 from 3-5 p.m. on the second Sunday of March. Except for Mother’s Day, all meetings are the second Sunday of the month unless otherwise announced.

“There is always an Open Mic at each meeting and those who would like to read are welcome to share two to three poems,” Clark said. “We are always happy to have new people participate.”