Events


AZpoetry.com is your gateway to the dynamic poetry scene in Arizona. Discover an array of exciting poetry events taking place throughout the state – Arizona poetry open mic nights, poetry slams from Tucson to Bullhead City, AZ poetry workshops, and Grand Canyon State poetry readings! Immerse yourself in the power of spoken word, connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts, and be inspired by the magic that unfolds on stage. Stay up-to-date with our comprehensive event calendar and make sure you never miss a captivating performance.


Poem of the Day

    • And Ain’t I An American by Jeremiah Blue

      “And Ain’t I An American” by Jeremiah Blue

      I do appreciate the eagle
      but not enough to call it American
      and tattoo it on my arm with banners
      of “God Bless the USA”

      Because I am hoping that the US will be
      just one amongst others blessed by God

      And ain’t I an American?

      I am trying to free Tibet with the bumper of my car
      rather than replacing it with an American flag

      I think that free-trade zones aren’t often all that free

      I wrote a poem about my national pride
      and it didn’t say anything about keeping the Mexicans out

      Being a small minority of the world’s population
      while consuming nearly half its resources
      sounds like a comfortable enough position
      to not be all that well threatened by immigrants
      sending paychecks home to impoverished families

      And ain’t I an American?

      I took classes in non-violent resistance
      rather than studying my enemy for weaknesses
      because ‘fighting for peace’ is like
      ‘fucking for virginity’
      Sounds like a pretty reasonable argument to me?

      And ain’t I an American?

      Fox: not my primary source of news.

      Reality TV doesn’t look anything like my reality.

      I left my Top Gun jacket and mullet
      in the era they came our and perished in

      I am drinking Guinness over Bud Light every time

      I prefer salsa and flamenco to Garth Brooks

      I think hot dogs are immoral

      and I haven’t been to a baseball game
      since Baby Ruth named its candy bar after that one guy

      And ain’t I an American?

      I don’t think you need to be a lesbian
      or a woman that is mad to be a feminist

      I feel it is a more productive move away from institutionalized racism
      to not fill our prisons with a majority of our black and brown men

      I am starting to think that it has been just a little too long
      since we have had a non-male or non-religious president

      There are times when the thought crosses my mind
      that the American Dream is just something
      that those who have been handed it
      dreamed up to keep
      everyone else dreamin’

      And America does not, at all times,
      make me proud to be an American

      And ain’t I an American?

      About the poet Jeremiah Blue

      Exploring National Identity in Jeremiah Blue’s “And Ain’t I An American”

      Jeremiah Blue’s poem “And Ain’t I An American”, originally published in 2012, offers a thought-provoking examination of American identity, challenging conventional symbols and notions of patriotism. Through a series of introspective reflections, Blue invites readers to reconsider what it truly means to be an American in today’s diverse society.

      Summary of “And Ain’t I An American”

      The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging traditional emblems of American patriotism, such as the eagle and the phrase “God Bless the USA.” However, the speaker expresses a desire for inclusivity, hoping that divine blessings extend beyond the United States to encompass all nations. This sentiment sets the tone for the poem’s exploration of broader, more inclusive definitions of national pride.

      Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on various personal choices and beliefs that diverge from mainstream American norms:

      • Opting for a “Free Tibet” bumper sticker over an American flag decal.
      • Questioning the fairness of free-trade zones.
      • Writing about national pride without advocating for restrictive immigration policies.
      • Highlighting the disproportionate consumption of global resources by a small segment of the world’s population.
      • Choosing non-violent resistance over aggressive tactics.
      • Expressing skepticism toward mainstream media and reality television.
      • Preferring cultural elements from other countries, such as Guinness over Bud Light and salsa over country music.

      The poem culminates with the speaker contemplating systemic issues within American society, including institutionalized racism, gender inequality in political leadership, and the elusive nature of the American Dream. Despite these critiques, the recurring refrain, “And ain’t I an American?” underscores the speaker’s assertion of their American identity, suggesting that questioning and critical reflection are integral components of true patriotism.

      Analysis of Themes and Techniques

      Jeremiah Blue employs several literary devices to convey the poem’s central themes:

      • Refrain: The repeated question, “And ain’t I an American?” serves as a powerful refrain, emphasizing the speaker’s challenge to narrow definitions of American identity and highlighting the diversity of experiences and beliefs that constitute the nation.
      • Irony and Satire: By juxtaposing traditional symbols of patriotism with personal choices that deviate from the norm, the poem utilizes irony to question the authenticity of conventional expressions of national pride.
      • Cultural Critique: The poem addresses various societal issues, including consumerism, media influence, systemic racism, and gender inequality, prompting readers to reflect on the complexities and contradictions inherent in American society.
      • Personal Reflection: Through the speaker’s candid sharing of personal preferences and beliefs, the poem underscores the importance of individual agency in defining one’s own sense of patriotism and belonging.

      Overall, “And Ain’t I An American” invites readers to engage in a nuanced exploration of national identity, encouraging a more inclusive and critical understanding of what it means to be American.

      Discover More About Jeremiah Blue

      To learn more about Jeremiah Blue’s work and contributions to contemporary poetry, visit his poet bio page on AZpoetry.com.


Discover the vibrant world of Arizona Poetry, where words come alive and emotions take flight. Whether you’re an avid poetry enthusiast, a budding poet, or simply curious about the art form, you’ve come to the right place. AZpoetry.com is your premier online directory for all things poetry in the beautiful state of Arizona.

Our mission is to provide a vehicle for preserving the poetry created by Arizona writers and making this history accessible to as many people as possible.


Discover Arizona Poets

  • Rex Arrasmith

    Rex Arrasmith

    Rex Carey Arrasmith: Bridging Worlds Through Poetry and Fiction Rex Carey Arrasmith is a poet and fiction writer whose work traverses the landscapes of memory, identity, and the natural world. Splitting his time between Sedona, Arizona, and Lāna’i, Hawaii, Arrasmith draws inspiration from the vortexes of Arizona’s Coconino National Forest and the serene beauty of…

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  • Gary Every

    Gary Every

    Sedona’s Storyteller, Poet Laureate, and Genre-Bending Wordsmith Gary Every, the Poet Laureate of Sedona, Arizona, is a literary force known for his genre-defying style, energetic performances, and profound connection to the American Southwest. With over 1,300 publications and nine books to his name, Every has earned recognition in poetry, fiction, journalism, and speculative literature, carving…

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  • Natasha Murdock

    Natasha Murdock

    Natasha Murdock: Suburban Elegy and the Poetics of Everyday Awe Natasha Murdock is a poet whose voice emerges from the quiet corners of suburban life, motherhood, and memory. Based in Gilbert, Arizona, Murdock holds an MFA in Poetry from Arizona State University, where she honed a poetic style that embraces clarity, understatement, and emotional depth.…

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  • Josh Rathkamp

    Josh Rathkamp

    Josh Rathkamp: Arizona Poet, Educator, and Voice of the Everyday Sacred Josh Rathkamp is a celebrated American poet and educator whose work captures the quiet complexities of contemporary life. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Rathkamp earned his BA from Western Michigan University, followed by an MFA in Poetry from Arizona State University and an MFA in…

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  • Niccolea Miou Nance

    Niccolea Miou Nance

    Niccolea Miou Nance: Poet, Artist, and Advocate for Healing Through Art Niccolea Miou Nance is a multifaceted artist whose work spans poetry, visual arts, and performance. Her creative endeavors are deeply rooted in personal experiences and the narratives of those around her, aiming to foster healing and empowerment through artistic expression. Early Life and Artistic…

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  • Joseph Nieves

    Joseph Nieves

    Joseph Nieves: From Comic Books to Poetry Slams in Arizona Joseph Nieves was raised in San Jose, California, where his earliest adventures were on foot, following his grandfather into the heart of the city. Those walks — which included stops behind a Burger King where his grandfather sold marijuana — would spark an enduring connection…

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  • Doc Luben

    Doc Luben

    Doc Luben: A Powerhouse of Performance Poetry in Arizona and Beyond Doc Luben is a dynamic voice in American performance poetry—a writer, educator, stage actor, and slam champion whose impact spans from the comic book conventions of Phoenix to the literary circles of Portland and Tucson. Known for his emotionally charged storytelling, razor-sharp wit, and…

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  • Ofelia Zepeda

    Ofelia Zepeda

    Tohono O’odham Poet, Linguist, and Cultural Preservationist Rooted in the Sonoran Desert and Tohono O’odham Heritage Ofelia Zepeda is one of Arizona’s most important literary voices and a nationally recognized poet and linguist. A member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, Zepeda was born and raised in Stanfield, Arizona—a community nestled in the Sonoran Desert. Her…

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  • Hisaye Yamamoto

    Hisaye Yamamoto

    Hisaye Yamamoto: A Master of the Short Story and Voice of Japanese-American Experience Hisaye Yamamoto (August 23, 1921 – January 30, 2011) was a groundbreaking Japanese-American writer and poet, best known for her acclaimed short story collection Seventeen Syllables and Other Stories. With her roots in Southern California and a terrible, yet powerful, connection to…

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  • Bob Frost

    Bob Frost

    Scottsdale’s First Official Poet Laureate and Cowboy Wordsmith From Marine Corps to Master of Metaphor Born to share a name with one of the most celebrated poets in American history, Bob Frost of Scottsdale, Arizona, found his own poetic path through life’s winding roads. His journey into poetry began with a high school English assignment,…

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Browse our database of known poets in Arizona, from the past to present day. Discover the lives of poets, the rich history of wordsmiths in the Grand Canyon State, and plunge into their work through recordings, books, and some poetry that the poets have given us permission to publish here.


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