The city of Snoqualmie recently got an unexpected gift from Sumner resident Ron Hampton.

Hampton, a musician and poet who works in North Bend, was so moved by his first visit to the newly opened Snoqualmie Point Park that he created a poem, “Exit 27 Snoqualmie View,” about the experience.

Hampton, 64, is a Western poet and plays guitar in his band, the Icicle River Band, performing country, gospel and bluegrass. The band performs at rest homes and assisted living centers.

Writing since he was a child, Hampton has penned 600 songs and poems beyond counting and always had the urge to share his work. He works with families, writing poems in honor of deceased people and giving them to family members.

Hampton dresses all in black, a trait that can be traced back to childhood. Hampton was born one of a set of twins, and the difference between them is that he was born with a shock of black hair.

“My nickname is ‘Blackie,’ hence the black clothes,” he said.

“I write stories depicting my life,” Hampton said. Along with his gift for writing and music, “I’ve been fortunate to be all over the world,” he said. “I’ve been to Southeast Asia, Europe. The friends and acquaintances I’ve made have been phenomenal.”

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