AZpoetry.com is the best resource for Poets, Poetry, and Literary Events from Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff Arizona and more!
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
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- December Morning In The Desert by Alberto Rios
The morning is clouded and the birds are hunched,
More cold than hungry, more numb than loud,This crisp, Arizona shore, where desert meets
The coming edge of the winter world.It is a cold news in stark announcement,
The myriad stars making bright the black,As if the sky itself had been snowed upon.
But the stars—all those stars,Where does the sure noise of their hard work go?
These plugs sparking the motor of an otherwise quiet sky,Their flickering work everywhere in a white vastness:
We should hear the stars as a great roarGathered from the moving of their billion parts, this great
Hot rod skid of the Milky Way across the asphalt night,The assembled, moving glints and far-floating embers
Risen from the hearth-fires of so many other worlds.Where does the noise of it all go
If not into the ears, then hearts of the birds all around us,Their hearts beating so fast and their equally fast
Wings and high songs,And the bees, too, with their lumbering hum,
And the wasps and moths, the bats, the dragonflies—None of them sure if any of this is going to work,
This universe—we humans oblivious,Drinking coffee, not quite awake, calm and moving
Into the slippers of our Monday mornings,Shivering because, we think,
It’s a little cold out there.About the poet Alberto Rios
In this evocative poem, Alberto Ríos captures the serene intersection of humanity and nature on a cold Arizona morning. The imagery of a crisp desert landscape juxtaposed with the celestial movements of stars and the industrious hum of birds and insects serves as a meditation on the quiet persistence of life. Ríos subtly reflects on the human tendency to overlook the vast, intricate workings of the universe as we carry on with mundane routines.
To learn more about Alberto Ríos, Arizona’s first Poet Laureate and a master of blending everyday moments with universal reflections, visit his bio page here and delve into the life and work of this celebrated poet.
- December Morning In The Desert by Alberto Rios
Discover Arizona Poets
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Gail Gardner
Gail Gardner: The Legendary Cowboy Poet of Prescott Gail Irwin Gardner (1892–1988) was a trailblazing cowboy poet and rancher whose legacy is firmly rooted in the cultural history of Prescott, Arizona. Known for his humor, authenticity, and vivid storytelling, Gardner’s poems captured the rugged spirit of the Old West and earned him a place as…
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Logan Phillips
Logan Phillips: Bilingual Poet, Performer, and Borderlands Storyteller Logan Phillips is a bilingual poet, performer, DJ, and educator whose work bridges cultures, languages, and artistic disciplines. Raised in the Arizona/Sonora borderlands, Phillips brings the vibrancy and complexity of this region to his poetry and performances, creating art that resonates on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico…
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Kalen Lander
Kalen Lander: Poet, Hip-Hop Artist, and Tempe Icon Kalen Lander, a cornerstone of Arizona’s hip-hop and spoken word scene, has been a defining force in the artistic fabric of Tempe for over a decade. Known for his quick-witted rhymes and improvisational prowess, Lander has built a reputation as a dynamic live performer who brings poetry…
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Aaron Hopkins-Johnson
Aaron Hopkins-Johnson: Poet, Organizer, and Arts Advocate Aaron Hopkins-Johnson, a revered artist and writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, has made an indelible impact on the spoken word and poetry communities across the Southwest and beyond. Known for his dynamic performances, tireless event organizing, and advocacy for the arts, Aaron’s influence has stretched across nearly two…
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Leah Marché
Leah Marché: A Multifaceted Poet and Arts Entrepreneur Leah Marché is a distinguished arts entrepreneur, performance poet, and journalist whose dynamic contributions to the literary and artistic communities of Phoenix, Arizona, and beyond have left a significant impact. Born and raised in Phoenix, Marché’s work spans multiple disciplines, showcasing her versatility and passion for the…
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Zane Grey
Zane Grey: A Western Novelist’s Legacy in Arizona and Poetry Zane Grey, one of the most celebrated Western novelists of the 20th century, left an indelible mark not only on American literature but also on the culture of Arizona and the genre of cowboy poetry. Best known for his gripping tales of the untamed West,…
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Myrlin Hepworth
Myrlin Hepworth: Poet, Educator, and Hip-Hop Artist Listen to Myrlin on Soundcloud Myrlin Hepworth is a dynamic force in the world of poetry, blending spoken word, education, and hip-hop into a seamless art form that resonates across generations and cultures. As a poet, teaching artist, and performer, Myrlin has dedicated his career to empowering youth…
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Amber McCrary
Amber McCrary: Diné Poet, Zine Creator, and Radical Publisher Amber McCrary, a Diné (Navajo) poet, artist, and publisher, hails from Shonto, Arizona, and was raised in Flagstaff. She has become a significant voice in contemporary Indigenous literature, with a unique blend of punk-influenced aesthetics, intersectional feminism, and Diné identity. McCrary’s work traverses poetry, zines, collages,…
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Ed Mabrey
Ed Mabrey: Poet, Performer, and Slam Champion Ed Mabrey is a powerhouse in the world of spoken word and slam poetry, earning his place as one of the most decorated poets in slam history. As a three-time Individual World Poetry Slam (IWPS) Champion—making history as the first Black poet to win the title—Ed has redefined…
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Beth May
Beth May: From Phoenix Poetry Roots to National Stage Early Life and Connection to Poetry Beth May, a poet, writer, actor, and performer, grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, where she discovered her love for spoken word poetry. As a student at Arizona State University, Beth began honing her poetic voice, crafting emotionally resonant and often…
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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