Category: Poets

Arizona Poets from the repository by AZPoetry.com!

Lydia Gates

November 20, 2025

Lydia Gates — Queer Autistic Performance Poet from Flagstaff, Arizona

Lydia Gates is a queer autistic performance poet and crochet artist based in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she lives with her wife, Lucy, and their “three adorable feline monster children.” Known for her dynamic stage presence, emotionally incisive writing, and creative interdisciplinary work, Gates has become a powerful and beloved voice in Arizona’s contemporary poetry scene.

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A Leader in the Northern Arizona Poetry Community

Gates is the managing organizer of FlagSlam, the long-running poetry slam of Northern Arizona established in 2000. Under her leadership, FlagSlam has grown into a vibrant hub for poets, performers, and spoken-word enthusiasts across the region.

Her work in the community reflects a deep commitment to accessibility, queer visibility, neurodivergent expression, and the transformative power of performance poetry.

Learn about poets in Flagstaff.

Accolades, Features & Recognition

Lydia Gates has been recognized widely for her contribution to arts and culture in Arizona. Highlights include:

Featured by the Arizona Republic
2024 Viola Awards finalist, one of Northern Arizona’s most prestigious arts honors
Frequent featured poet across festivals, showcases, and arts events

Her 2024 featured performances include:

Discover Flagstaff
Art X Festival
Poet Brews
Harvest
MOCAF (Museum of Contemporary Art Flagstaff)
Off the Rails

These appearances reflect her growing profile as both a regional and national performance poet.

Competitive Slam Poetry Career

Gates has competed at regional and national poetry slams, earning a strong reputation for her bold delivery, emotional clarity, and storytelling craft.

Major competitions include:

2017 & 2018 National Poetry Slams
2019 Southwest Shootout
2023 Beyond the Neon Regional
2023 & 2024 Bigfoot Poetry Slam
2024 Chicharra Poetry Slam

Her performance style blends vulnerability, humor, and fierce social insight—qualities that continue to resonate with audiences across the country.

Published Poetry Collections

Lydia Gates is the author of four poetry collections, each reflecting a distinct chapter of her creative evolution:

I Was an Empire (2017)
She Dreams the Moon (2018)
Changeling (2021)
Algorithmancer (2024)

Her books explore themes such as identity, transformation, queerness, mythology, neurodivergence, and the magic hidden within everyday life. All four titles are currently available on Amazon.

Artistic Focus: Poetry, Performance & Crochet

While performance poetry is her primary genre, Gates is also an accomplished crochet artist, merging fiber arts with narrative expression. Her multidisciplinary practice gives her work a tactile, imaginative dimension—one that blurs the line between handmade craft, personal mythology, and embodied storytelling.

Presence in Flagstaff’s Creative Culture

As a Flagstaff-based artist, Gates plays an essential role in the city’s growing arts community. Her ongoing contributions to local events, youth slams, regional showcases, and creative festivals help foster an inclusive environment where emerging voices feel empowered to speak, perform, and create.

Why Lydia Gates Matters to Arizona Poetry

Lydia Gates represents the energy and evolution of modern Arizona spoken word. Her work as a poet, performer, organizer, educator, and queer autistic artist expands the landscape of what poetry can be—and who poetry can belong to.

Through her writing, her stage performances, and her leadership at FlagSlam, she continues to shape the future of Arizona literature with authenticity, courage, and an unmistakable artistic voice.

Discover more poets of Arizona HERE. Learning about Lydia Gates made you want to see poetry performed? Check out our Events Listings HERE. Are you a poet and want to take advantage of all of the opportunities in the Grand Canyon State? Check out our Arizona Poetry Resources page. Lastly, peruse, explore, read, and interpret hundreds of poems written or inspired about the landscape, culture, politics, and people in the great state of Arizona, from the southern city of Tucson to the Grand Canyon in the north, our collection of poetry is available for you.

B-Jam (Ben Gardea)

October 22, 2025

Arizona Slam Poet, Performer, and Community Builder

Ben Gardea, known throughout the Southwest poetry scene as B-Jam, is a nationally recognized slam poet, performer, and workshop leader based in Phoenix, Arizona. A driving force in the Arizona spoken word community, Gardea blends personal vulnerability, rhythmic delivery, and social awareness into performances that resonate across audiences and generations.

B-Jam’s journey to poetry began not in a classroom, but through recovery, resilience, and self-reinvention. After facing a life-altering struggle with avascular necrosis and undergoing multiple hip replacements, Gardea found his voice in the rhythms of spoken word at venues like Lawn Gnome Publishing and The Lost Leaf— using poetry as both healing and rebellion. His work stands as an invitation for others to speak their truths aloud, transforming pain into presence and survival into art.

As Arizona State Champion of the Arizona State Poetry Society (ASPS) and a Top 10 nationally ranked slam poet at the National Poetry Slam hosted by New Mexico’s Blackberry Peach, B-Jam’s performances are known for their precision, musical cadence, and emotional intensity. His work combines the personal and the political, the raw and the redemptive — embodying the ethos of a poet who lives what he writes.

Poetic Style & Themes

B-Jam’s poetry thrives in the space between rhythm and revelation. His performances draw from the oral tradition of hip-hop and slam poetry, carrying the same pulse as a drumbeat or heartbeat — honest, urgent, and unapologetically human.

Themes of recovery, faith, fatherhood, disability, and identity appear throughout his work. Rather than offering polished conclusions, his poems stay in motion, revealing the daily process of becoming. Whether he’s unpacking the weight of survival, the ache of transformation, or the joy of community, B-Jam writes with a voice that feels lived-in, deeply empathetic, and grounded in Arizona’s desert landscapes.

He has said that poetry, for him, is “not a performance but a conversation with every version of myself that made it here.” That intimacy defines his work — connecting audiences not just to his story, but to their own.

Community Work & Performance

Beyond the stage, B-Jam is one of Arizona’s most active poetry organizers and mentors. He serves as the Spoken Word and Slam Coordinator for the Arizona State Poetry Society, where he helps bridge page and stage, guiding poets toward both competitive and collaborative spaces.

He also hosts the monthly Phoenix Poetry Slam, held at The Lost Leaf and Heritage HQ, two long-running hubs for Arizona’s creative community. Under his leadership, the Phoenix Slam has become a cornerstone of the Arizona spoken word scene, offering open mics, featured readings, and safe spaces for emerging artists to test and share new work.

B-Jam’s commitment to community extends statewide — he regularly travels to Prescott, Tucson, and Flagstaff to perform, judge, and host workshops, helping build a connected network of poets throughout the state. His mentorship of younger performers and first-time poets has helped dozens find confidence in their own voices, creating ripple effects that continue to strengthen Arizona’s literary landscape.

Recognition & Awards

In addition to his Arizona State Championship, B-Jam has represented the state on national stages, including the BlackBerry Peach National Poetry Slam and other regional showcases. His performance work has been featured on stages and digital platforms alike, recognized for its authenticity, musical timing, and emotional range.

Media outlets and organizations including the Arizona State Poetry Society, Prescott Poetry Series, and Fountain Hills Times have highlighted Gardea’s contributions as a performer, teacher, and advocate for accessible art.

Workshops & Mentorship

As a teaching artist, B-Jam leads “Page to Stage: The Journey,” a workshop designed to help writers transform written poems into performance-ready pieces. The series walks poets through the entire process — from crafting honest drafts to finding breath, tone, and rhythm onstage. His workshops often blend elements of mindfulness, movement, and performance technique, helping participants not only strengthen their craft but also deepen their relationship with their voice.

Students consistently describe his mentorship as empowering and deeply human — a space where laughter, tears, and growth share the same breath.

Legacy & Influence in Arizona Poetry

In an era where poetry often lives fleetingly online, B-Jam’s work reclaims poetry as a living act — a gathering, a pulse, a community. His influence in Arizona’s spoken word revival is felt not only in his own performances but in the countless poets he’s coached, encouraged, and celebrated.

Through his leadership with the Arizona State Poetry Society, his hosting of live slams, and his teaching practice, Ben Gardea continues to elevate the art form throughout the Southwest. His poetry reminds audiences that voice is a form of survival and that every poem spoken aloud plants a seed for someone else’s courage.

Today, whether onstage in downtown Phoenix or leading a workshop in a small Arizona town, B-Jam stands as one of the state’s most powerful examples of poetry in motion — living proof that storytelling, when rooted in truth, can heal and transform both the writer and the world around them.

TC Tolbert

October 22, 2025

TC Tolbert – Tucson Poet Laureate (2017 – 2023)

TC Tolbert serves as a vibrant and transformative voice in contemporary American poetry. Appointed as the Poet Laureate of Tucson in 2017, Tolbert guided the city’s literary engagement through 2023, shaping a poetic culture rooted in inclusion, empathy, and the desert’s quiet resilience. Tolbert’s years as laureate left a deep imprint on Arizona’s poetry community, from public readings in city parks to collaborations that brought poetry into schools, libraries, and neighborhood centers across Tucson.

About

Tolbert identifies as trans and genderqueer and often describes themself as a feminist, collaborator, dancer, poet — and simply “a human in love with humans doing human things.” Their artistic life embodies that statement. Holding an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona, Tolbert chose Tucson as both a personal refuge and a creative laboratory, drawn to its open skies, Sonoran landscape, and thriving community of artists.

Living in the desert, Tolbert has cultivated a poetic practice that moves fluidly between body and language. They frequently connect the motion of dance with the movement of words, treating poetry as choreography — a conversation between text, rhythm, and breath. This holistic approach to craft mirrors Tucson’s own cultural terrain, where art, activism, and environment often meet.

Literary Work & Contribution

Tolbert is the author of the full-length poetry collection Gephyromania (Ahsahta Press, 2014; reissued by Nightboat Books), a book that explores the idea of “bridge-building” — between genders, languages, and modes of becoming. The title, from the Greek gephyra meaning “bridge,” captures Tolbert’s ongoing fascination with transformation and the spaces between fixed identities.

They have also published several chapbooks, including Turning to Hear the Last Leaves of Stargazer Fall, I: Not He: Not I, and territories of folding. Each of these smaller works demonstrates Tolbert’s gift for merging lyrical precision with emotional experimentation.

As co-editor (with Trace Peterson) of Troubling the Line: Trans and Genderqueer Poetry and Poetics (Nightboat Books, 2013), Tolbert helped create one of the most influential anthologies of its kind. The volume gathers more than 50 writers and has become a cornerstone text in queer literary studies, used in classrooms nationwide. The project exemplifies Tolbert’s lifelong commitment to community-building through art.

Tolbert’s poems have appeared in leading journals and anthologies, including Prairie Schooner, Verse Daily, and Diagram. Their voice resonates for its honesty, courage, and linguistic grace — a blend of vulnerability and precision that continues to influence younger Arizona poets.

Advocacy, Community & Impact

During their six-year tenure as Tucson’s Poet Laureate, Tolbert expanded what civic poetry can do. In 2019, they were awarded an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship for their community projects connecting trans, non-binary, and queer residents through writing workshops and public readings.

Tolbert’s outreach programs emphasized poetry as both healing and social practice — a way for marginalized voices to see themselves represented and to find solidarity in language. They’ve led free writing circles, poetry walks, and cross-disciplinary performances blending movement, music, and verse. Many of these initiatives remain active today, facilitated by the poets Tolbert mentored.

In interviews, Tolbert has spoken of poetry as “a practice of attention and tenderness,” a way to “stay awake to our shared humanity.” This ethic has guided not only their public service but also their teaching at the University of Arizona and in workshops across the Southwest.

Why Tolbert Matters for Arizona Poetry

Voice & Visibility: As one of the first openly trans or genderqueer city poet laureates in the United States, TC Tolbert redefined what literary leadership can look like. Their visibility in Tucson’s cultural landscape continues to inspire inclusivity and representation in the arts.

Intersectional Practice: Tolbert’s poetry brings together identity, ecology, and activism. Their work captures both the physical beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the psychological landscapes of transition, belonging, and human connection — a union of place and self that feels uniquely Arizonan.

Bridge-Builder: True to the meaning of Gephyromania, Tolbert builds bridges — between people, disciplines, and communities. They bring poetry out of academic spaces and into everyday life, transforming classrooms, coffee shops, and public plazas into shared arenas of expression.

For Readers of AZPoetry.com

Tolbert invites readers to consider language as terrain — a landscape where identity, geography, and desire converge. Their work embodies the emotional texture of Tucson: sun-bleached, spacious, and full of quiet defiance.

For lovers of poetry, Tolbert offers a model of art as community practice. Their writing urges us to embrace ambiguity, nurture compassion, and recognize the bridges that connect us — not only across difference, but within ourselves. With deep respect for the desert and for those who inhabit it, TC Tolbert continues to expand the boundaries of Arizona poetry, shaping a more inclusive and resonant literary future.

Chelsea Guevara

September 16, 2025

Chelsea Guevara: U.S.-Salvadoran Voice, Slam Champ & Storyteller of Memory & Belonging

From Utah Roots to National Slam Triumph

Chelsea Guevara is a U.S.-Salvadoran poet and spoken word artist originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2024, she made history by winning the Womxn of the World International Poetry Slam, becoming the first Salvadoran and the first Utahn to take home a national individual slam title.

Her work bridges languages, cultures, and generations. Drawing upon her family’s histories in El Salvador, her experience in Utah, and her identity as a Latina in the U.S., Chelsea weaves together storytelling, academia, and performance to explore themes of history, memory, identity, belonging, and resistance.

Academic Life & Creative Inquiry

Chelsea is currently engaged with the academic world. At the University of Arizona, she has pursued graduate studies in Latin American Studies (as of the latest info), and her coursework deeply informs her poetry. Her academic research—into Salvadoran history, diasporic identity, colonialism, and memory—provides the scaffolding for much of her creative work.

This blending of scholarship and artistry allows her poetry to function not just as aesthetic expression, but as a site of cultural reclamation and historical narrative. Her writing is attentive to both micro-moments (family, language, place) and macro-forces (migration, colonial legacies, social justice).

Published Works & Recognition

Chelsea’s published work includes:

Somewhere Over the Border (micro-chapbook): Finalist for the Gunpowder Press Alta California Chapbook Prize in 2023.
Her poetry has been featured in Button Poetry, Write About Now Poetry, Mapping Literary Utah, and others.
In 2025, she released her full-length collection Cipota with Button Poetry. Cipota explores intergenerational trauma, diaspora, memory, and the reclamation of identity.

Performance, Identity & Community

Chelsea is not just a poet on the page—she’s a performance poet with palpable stage presence. She has performed widely at slam events and spoken word venues, bringing emotional honesty, rich narrative detail, and cultural specificity to her performances. Winning Womxn of the World 2024 placed her squarely in the national spotlight for her ability to command a stage while telling deeply personal stories.

She is also active in organizing poetry events in Tucson, Arizona, helping to build community, nurture younger poets, and create space for Latinx and Central American voices. Her work in events aligns with an ongoing commitment to representation and justice through art.

Themes, Style & Influence

Chelsea’s poetic style is marked by:

Cultural Memory & Diaspora: Memories of El Salvador, family stories, migration, and border crossings appear often in her work.
Identity & Healing: Exploration of what it means to be U.S.-Salvadoran, the tension between past and present, and the personal as political.
Scholar/Poet Hybrid: Her academic background shapes her use of imagery, metaphor, and historical context—she often makes visible what is overlooked.
Performance Energy: Her poems are crafted not just to be read, but to be heard—she’s earned her slam title by giving words emotional power and urgency.

Her influences include both Latin American literary traditions and the spoken word community—she stands at the intersection of diaspora poetics and activism through language.

Key Milestones & Why Chelsea Matters in Arizona Poetry

First Salvadoran and Utahn to win a national individual slam (Womxn of the World, 2024) — a landmark achievement for representation.
Micro-chapbook Somewhere Over the Border recognized at a national level (Alta California prize finalist).
Publication of Cipota in 2025 with a major poetry platform (Button Poetry), helping her reach

Ashley Naftule

July 30, 2025

Ashley Naftule: Phoenix Poet, Playwright & Performance Artist

Ashley Naftule (they/them) is a dynamic poet, playwright, performer, and arts journalist based in Phoenix, Arizona. Known for blending speculative themes, queer and trans identity, and razor‑sharp lyricism, Naftule is deeply rooted in Arizona’s creative community through their innovative work at Space55 Theatre and beyond (Planet Scumm).

Early Artistic Journey & Literary Voice

Originally from California, Naftule relocated to Phoenix, where their writing and performance practice flourished. They became a resident playwright and Associate Artistic Director at Space55, producing plays like Ear, The First Annual Bookburners Convention, Radio Free Europa, and Peppermint Beehive (Planet Scumm). Their approach to poetry and prose draws on influences ranging from Grant Morrison’s surreal comics to Philip K. Dick’s speculative sci‑fi, imbuing text with dreamlike, uncanny resonance.

Published Poetry & Journalism

Naftule’s poems and short fiction have appeared in numerous outlets including Rinki Dink Press, Ghost City Review, The Molotov Cocktail, Occulum, and Amethyst Review (Phoenix Art Museum, Ashley Naftule). As a freelance journalist, their writing has been featured in major platforms such as Pitchfork, Phoenix New Times, Vice, The AV Club, and Longreads (Phoenix Art Museum).

Performance & Artistic Influence in Arizona

Through performances at Space55 and collaborations with local painters, musicians, and theater-makers, Naftule contributes significantly to Phoenix’s arts culture. Their interdisciplinary expertise—spanning poetry, theater, visual art, and performance—makes them a versatile and boundary-pushing presence in the Arizona literary scene.

Themes & Style

Surreal Colors and Dark Humor: Naftule’s work often mixes whimsy with the uncanny—Dadaist, feminist, sci‑fi, and existential threads entwine.
Gender Fluid & Queer Identity: Their writing negotiates fluid identity and nonbinary experience through poetic imagery and playful defiance.
Political & Cultural Critique: They explore how consumerism, technology, and systems of power intersect with individual expression.

Why Ashley Naftule Belongs on AZpoetry.com

Arizona Connection: Longtime Phoenix resident and Space55 collaborator contributes richly to the state’s literary ecosystem.
Literary Range: Bridges poetry, theater, journalism, and performance—enhancing Arizona’s scene across mediums.
Community Engagement: Their work includes mentorship, creative leadership, and inclusive programming for diverse artists.

Key Highlights & Features

Highlight	Details
Residency	Resident playwright & Associate Artistic Director at Space55 Theatre, downtown Phoenix (Planet Scumm)
Publications	Poetry & fiction in Ghost City Review, Occulum, Rinky Dink Press, The Hard Times, and more (Ashley Naftule, Ghost City Press)
Journalism	Bylines in Phoenix New Times, Pitchfork, Vice, AV Club, Bandcamp, and others (Phoenix Art Museum, Medium)

In Their Own Words

Naftule reflects: “When I finish writing something … and it doesn’t immediately embarrass me, the feeling of satisfaction … feels like a hammer striking a nail.” Their form flourishes under constraint and fusion—combining prompt-based weirdness, spoken word punch, and speculative imagery into original poetic structures (Phoenix Art Museum).

What’s Next

Ashley is currently working on Peppermint Beehive, a play exploring gentrification in downtown Phoenix with nods to John Waters, The B‑52s, and cult aesthetics. They’ve also written an absurdist comedy novella inspired by Spuds MacKenzie and are involved in podcasts, chalk art installation, and emerging poetry collaborations (Phoenix Art Museum).

Discover More

Explore more of poets of Arizona HERE.

Rex Arramsith Arizona poet a man taking a selfie

Rex Arrasmith

May 15, 2025

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 the Pacific. His writing often serves as a memorial to friends and lovers lost to the AIDS pandemic, capturing moments of joy, sorrow, and reflection.

After a 30-year career with United Airlines, Arrasmith pursued his passion for writing, earning an MFA in Fiction from Lesley University in 2018, followed by an MFA in Poetry in 2020. He is a co-founder of Cambridge Common Writers, a Lesley MFA alumni group that fosters community among writers.(cambridgecommonwriters.org, cambridgecommonwriters.org)

Arrasmith’s poetry and fiction have been featured in numerous literary journals, including Lily Poetry Review, Passengers Journal, Solstice Literary Magazine, Spillwords, Hares Paw Literary Journal, New Note Poetry, and Dark Thirty Poetry Publishing. His poem “Whale Song” in Spillwords reflects his deep connection to nature and the awe it inspires.

Arrasmith’s Poetry Transcends Literature and Spirituality

In addition to his literary pursuits, Arrasmith is an ordained Universal Life Minister, crafting uniquely inspired wedding vows that blend poetic sensibility with personal narratives. His multifaceted career and diverse experiences enrich his writing, offering readers a tapestry of stories that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.

For more information on Rex Carey Arrasmith and his work, visit his Cambridge Common Writers profile.

Gary Every

May 15, 2025

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 out a unique space where the natural world, science fiction, and spoken word converge.

A Career of Boundless Expression

Gary Every’s expansive body of work reflects his commitment to telling stories that blur traditional boundaries. Whether delivering beat-inspired spoken word, penning sharp science fiction narratives, or crafting intimate essays grounded in Arizona’s diverse landscape, his voice remains uniquely his own. Every’s storytelling ranges from rock concerts and Earth Day celebrations to poetry slams and resort bonfires—wherever there is a microphone or a willing audience, Gary Every brings his signature style.

Prose, Poetry, and the Imaginative Frontier

Every describes his creative output as equally divided between prose, poetry, and fiction—or, in his own words: “journalism, science fiction, and beatnik.” This balance allows him to explore the human condition through both the lens of grounded reality and the infinite possibilities of speculative thought. His journalistic work has been honored by the Arizona Newspaper Association, earning consecutive Best Lifestyle Feature awards.

Honors and Recognition

Gary Every’s commitment to language has garnered critical acclaim across multiple disciplines. He is a four-time nominee for the prestigious Rhysling Award, which honors the best science fiction poetry of the year, and he has received numerous Pushcart Prize nominations for both his fiction and verse. His poetry regularly appears in journals and anthologies dedicated to speculative and literary writing alike.

Introducing The Mighty Minstrels: Poetry Meets Jazz

In addition to his solo work, Gary Every joined forces with a collective of musicians to produce the jazz-poetry fusion album Introducing The Mighty Minstrels. The project underscores Every’s musicality and his roots in performance poetry, showcasing the rhythm and improvisational spark that animate his live readings.

Voice of the Verde Valley

Though originally from outside Sedona, Every is deeply rooted in Northern Arizona’s landscape, folklore, and history. As Sedona’s Poet Laureate, he elevates regional voices and natural wonders through public readings, workshops, and cultural events that blend performance with environmental awareness. His work frequently draws from desert canyons, red rock formations, and the mythic aura of the Verde Valley region.

From Bonfire to Slam Stage

Before his poet laureate appointment, Every honed his storytelling chops as a bonfire storyteller at a luxury resort near Tucson. This period instilled in him a passion for live performance, which continues to inform his presence at poetry slams and community events across Arizona. Whether riffing at a jazz set or engaging audiences at literary festivals, his delivery is dynamic and unforgettable.

A Literary Bridge Across Genres

Gary Every’s writing challenges and expands our understanding of what poetry can be. By weaving together beat aesthetics, desert ecology, interstellar imagination, and sharp journalistic observation, he crafts work that resonates across audiences and disciplines. His ability to shift seamlessly between the page and the stage, the traditional and the speculative, places him among Arizona’s most versatile and visionary literary figures.

Want to read Gary Every’s books? Check out his official website HERE.

Natasha Murdock

May 9, 2025

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. She is a part of the vibrant East Valley literary scene, balancing her writing life with her work as adjunct faculty at Mesa Community College.

A Poetic Eye on Domestic Spaces and Unspoken Moments

Murdock’s poetry reveals the sacred in the everyday—whether it’s the hum of household chores, the surreal exhaustion of parenthood, or the strange, persistent beauty found in life’s overlooked moments. Her poems capture what is often left unsaid, drawing readers into an interior world where grace and tension coexist. Through a minimal yet resonant style, she examines the ways silence speaks and gestures carry the weight of memory.

Published in BlazeVOX and The Cobalt Review

Her work has appeared in respected literary journals including BlazeVOX and The Cobalt Review, where readers and editors alike have praised her ability to render ordinary experience with lyric intensity. These publications reflect her place among contemporary voices that push against the boundaries of form without losing accessibility or human connection.

Teaching, Community, and Literary Advocacy

Beyond the page, Murdock is a dedicated educator. At Mesa Community College, she introduces new generations of students to poetry, creative writing, and the power of literary expression. Her work in the classroom echoes her own journey—one that is rooted in Arizona’s literary institutions and nurtured by the mentorship and community of the Southwest’s writing culture.

A Voice Rooted in Arizona

As a poet living in Gilbert and working in the greater Phoenix area, Natasha Murdock brings a distinctly Arizona voice to contemporary poetry—one that reflects the contradictions of desert life, the rhythms of family, and the challenge of reconciling selfhood with responsibility. Her poetry bridges the intimate and the expansive, the personal and the political.

Readers can expect more work from Murdock in the coming years, as she continues to explore the complexities of language, longing, and living fully in the moment.

Josh Rathkamp

May 9, 2025

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 Poetry Translation from Drew University. He currently resides in Gilbert, Arizona, where he teaches and directs the Creative Writing Program at Mesa Community College.

Literary Contributions and Style

Rathkamp’s poetry is known for its introspective nature and exploration of everyday experiences. His work often delves into themes of family, personal struggle, and the search for meaning in ordinary moments. His poems have been featured in numerous literary journals, including American Poetry Review, The Southern Review, Narrative, Boxcar Poetry Review, and Rattle.

Published Works

Some Nights No Cars At All (2007)

Rathkamp’s debut collection, Some Nights No Cars At All, published by Ausable Press, offers a poignant look into the nuances of daily life. The poems in this collection reflect on personal experiences and the subtle beauty found in routine.

A Storm to Close the Door (2016)

His second collection, A Storm to Close the Door, was selected by Terrance Hayes for the 2016 Georgetown Review Poetry Prize. This work delves deeper into personal themes, including Rathkamp’s experiences as a single father and the challenges of navigating personal upheaval. The collection has been praised for its emotional depth and candid exploration of life’s complexities.

Educational Endeavors and Community Engagement

At Mesa Community College, Rathkamp has been instrumental in developing the Creative Writing Program, fostering a supportive environment for emerging writers. His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as he frequently participates in community workshops and poetry readings throughout Arizona.

Recognition and Impact

Rathkamp’s contributions to poetry and education have been recognized through various awards and fellowships. His work continues to resonate with readers and students alike, offering insights into the human experience through a lens of authenticity and reflection.

For more information on Josh Rathkamp’s work and upcoming events, visit his Mesa Community College profile.

Niccolea Miou Nance

May 9, 2025

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 Journey

Niccolea’s journey into the arts began early, with a passion for storytelling and self-expression. Over the years, she has cultivated a diverse artistic portfolio, encompassing poetry, painting, and performance art. Her work often delves into themes of personal growth, resilience, and the transformative power of creativity.

Published Works and Contributions

Niccolea’s poetry has been featured in publications such as Borderline, a journal known for its focus on personal narratives, and Canyon Voices, an Arizona State University journal that highlights emerging writers. These platforms have allowed her to share her voice and connect with a broader audience.

She has also published two books available on Amazon:

The Words I Hold: A self-published collection that offers an intimate look into her personal experiences and reflections.
For Those Who Outlast Their Pain: Released by Swimming With Elephants Publications, this charity project donates proceeds beyond printing and shipping costs to organizations supporting women and survivors of sexual assault. The book serves as a testament to the healing potential of poetry.

Artistic Philosophy and Advocacy

Niccolea believes in the power of art as a tool for healing and social change. Her work often addresses complex emotional landscapes, aiming to provide solace and understanding to those who engage with it. Through workshops and performances, she encourages others to explore their own creative paths as a means of personal empowerment.

Beyond the Page: Performance and Exploration

An amateur fire-spinner and aspiring world traveler, Niccolea’s artistic expression extends beyond traditional mediums. Her performances incorporate elements of movement and visual spectacle, creating immersive experiences that captivate audiences. With plans to embark on global travels via sailboat, she continues to seek inspiration from diverse cultures and landscapes.