Berkeley writer pens poems on motherhood, wildfires, friendship

As an award-winning poet, certified wildland firefighter, parent and co-founder of Left Margin Lit, one could say Berkeley resident Rachel Richardson wears a lot of hats. The author’s latest poetry collection, “Smother,” hit bookshop shelves recently, so we took the opportunity to hear more about her work. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Q: Smother is such an evocative word. How did you decide on it as your title?

A: The book is about smoke and motherhood primarily as its two subjects.