Category: Poets

Lauren Deja: Poet, Performer, and Holistic Healer

Lauren Deja is a multifaceted artist and healer, blending the worlds of performance poetry, music, acting, and holistic wellness to create a unique and inspiring presence in the arts and wellness communities. A professional French horn player and actor with experience in both theater and film, Lauren’s creativity knows no bounds. Her artistic pursuits are complemented by her deep commitment to holistic healing, where she has spent over 13 years helping others unlock their fullest potential and find inner peace.

Artistic Journey

Lauren’s artistic journey began with her passion for music, particularly her talent on the French horn. As a professional French horn player, she has honed her craft and developed a profound understanding of the connection between music, emotions, and healing. Her performances resonate with audiences, capturing the beauty and complexity of the human experience through sound.

In addition to music, Lauren is an accomplished actor with experience in both theater and film. Her performances are marked by a deep authenticity and presence, drawing audiences into her characters’ worlds. Her acting career has taken her from Los Angeles to Arizona, allowing her to develop a versatile portfolio that spans a variety of genres and styles.

Poetry and Performance

Lauren’s artistic expression extends into the realm of performance poetry, where she combines her passion for words and storytelling with her dynamic presence on stage. Her poetry often explores themes of self-discovery, healing, and transformation, drawing from her experiences as both an artist and a healer. Through her spoken word, she seeks to connect with her audience on a profound level, inspiring them to explore their own journeys of growth and resilience.

Holistic Healing and Wellness

Beyond the stage and screen, Lauren is a dedicated holistic healer with certifications in breathwork and Kihara resistance stretching. With over a decade of experience in holistic practices, she has guided countless individuals on their journeys to wellness, self-awareness, and peace. Her healing approach is rooted in helping people access their highest self and release blockages that prevent them from experiencing true inner harmony.

As a certified breathwork practitioner, Lauren uses the power of breath to help her clients connect with their bodies, release stress, and achieve mental clarity. Her knowledge of Kihara resistance stretching adds another layer to her practice, allowing her to assist clients in achieving physical and energetic balance through specialized techniques. Lauren’s approach to healing is both compassionate and intuitive, drawing from her extensive experience to tailor each session to the unique needs of her clients.

Today, Deja hosts live Akashic Healing Sessions using crystal singing bowls. The practice is commonly referred to as soundbaths. You can see her latest compositions HERE.

Life and Work in Arizona

Currently based in Arizona, Lauren Deja continues to pursue her passions in art and healing. Her time in Arizona has allowed her to integrate her diverse talents and expand her reach, performing poetry, playing music, and guiding individuals in wellness practices throughout the state. Her experiences living in Los Angeles have also enriched her perspective, blending the vibrant, creative energy of LA with the grounding serenity of the Arizona desert.

Legacy and Vision

Lauren Deja’s work is a testament to the power of combining art with wellness. Her journey as a musician, actor, poet, and healer speaks to her commitment to exploring every facet of human expression and helping others find peace and purpose in their own lives. Through her performances and healing sessions, Lauren continues to inspire those around her, encouraging them to embrace their highest selves and live with intention and joy.

Whether on stage, in a film, or guiding a breathwork session, Lauren Deja’s presence is one of transformative power, creativity, and compassion. She invites her audiences and clients alike to journey inward, find connection, and embrace the beauty of life in all its forms.

Mikel Weisser: Poet, Activist, and Renaissance Man

Mikel Weisser (1959–May 2020) was a true Renaissance man whose life and work spanned the realms of poetry, activism, teaching, and community service. Known for his fiery passion for social justice, advocacy for cannabis reform, and unique creative voice, Weisser was a troubadour in every sense—offering a platform for the voiceless and weaving art, humor, and truth into everything he did. Born with a love for words and storytelling, Weisser pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a writer, producing countless articles, poems, and books throughout his career. His contributions to the literary, political, and cannabis communities in Arizona remain his lasting legacy.

Early Life and Education

Mikel Weisser’s journey began with a humble start, working as a DJ, plumber, painter, and electrician before he fully embraced his path as a writer and advocate. With a love for literature that began in childhood, he went on to earn a Master’s degree in Literary Criticism from the University of Illinois Springfield and an MA in Secondary Education from Northern Arizona University. These academic achievements laid the foundation for his multifaceted career, where he would blend intellectual pursuits with hands-on activism.

Teaching and Community Work

Before moving to Arizona, Weisser served as the volunteer coordinator for Helping Hands Homeless Shelter in Springfield, Illinois, where he demonstrated his commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. His compassion and dedication to social causes remained a consistent theme throughout his life.

From 2000 to 2013, Weisser taught middle school history and English in Bullhead City and Kingman, Arizona. As an educator, he was known for his creativity, empathy, and unwavering commitment to his students. His teaching went beyond the textbooks, as he encouraged young minds to think critically, engage with social issues, and find their own voices. Weisser’s years in education left a profound impact on countless students, many of whom remember him as an inspiring and compassionate mentor.

Political Activism and Congressional Campaigns

In 2012, Mikel Weisser took a bold step by launching a congressional campaign, running as a progressive candidate advocating for social justice, cannabis reform, and economic equality. His passion for activism and belief in democracy led him to end his teaching career and commit fully to his political pursuits. He continued his congressional efforts in 2014 and 2016, running for office with the aim of bringing about meaningful change in Arizona and advocating for the rights of the marginalized.

Weisser’s campaigns focused on issues often overlooked by mainstream politicians. He championed progressive causes such as cannabis legalization, education reform, and environmental protection. Known for his charisma, humor, and authenticity, Weisser’s political journey inspired many within Arizona’s activist community, even if he did not win his races. For Weisser, the goal was always larger than a seat in Congress; it was about giving a platform to the issues he believed mattered most and engaging people in the democratic process.

Cannabis Advocacy and Leadership in Arizona NORML

A long-time cannabis advocate, Mikel Weisser was a key figure in Arizona’s marijuana reform movement. His dedication to cannabis advocacy began during his political campaigns and continued to grow over the years. In 2015, after serving as the political director for Safer Arizona, Weisser became the executive director for Arizona NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). In this role, he worked tirelessly to protect medical cannabis patients, advocate for reform, and educate the public about the benefits of cannabis legalization.

Under his leadership, Arizona NORML became a powerful force in the state, driving forward legislative initiatives and supporting efforts to normalize and legalize cannabis. Weisser’s work in the cannabis industry extended beyond his executive role; he was a prolific writer, publishing numerous articles on cannabis policy, social justice, and political satire. His writings helped shed light on the injustices of prohibition and pushed for a compassionate, patient-centered approach to cannabis reform.

Literary Contributions and Poetry Career

In addition to his activism, Mikel Weisser was a prolific poet and writer. His poetry, often infused with humor, social critique, and a sharp wit, captured his unique perspective on life and society. Weisser’s work explored themes of justice, compassion, and resilience, reflecting his own experiences and values. His poetry was a medium for truth-telling, allowing him to connect with others on a deeply personal level.

A significant moment in his poetry career came in 2014, when he was chosen to read the inaugural poem at the Individual World Poetry Slam. This event, which would later launch the careers of nationally known poets such as Hanif Abdurraqib, Danez Smith, and Porsha Olayiwola, marked an important milestone for Weisser. His reading at this event resonated with many, showcasing his talent and adding to his reputation as a powerful voice in poetry.

Weisser’s publications spanned multiple genres, from political humor to advocacy for social justice. His writing appeared in numerous outlets, covering a range of topics from the absurdities of modern politics to heartfelt calls for empathy and change. With more than a thousand articles and several books to his name, Weisser’s literary contributions remain a testament to his boundless creativity and commitment to making a difference through words.

Legacy and Impact

Mikel Weisser’s legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to social justice. Whether as a teacher, poet, activist, or leader, he touched the lives of countless people. In Arizona, his work in cannabis advocacy transformed the conversation around marijuana reform, and his leadership at Arizona NORML played an instrumental role in advancing patient rights and pushing for legalization.

As a poet and writer, Weisser’s words continue to inspire those who seek to challenge the status quo and advocate for a more equitable world. His commitment to truth-telling, his humor, and his willingness to listen and give voice to the unheard make him a beloved figure in Arizona’s literary and activist communities.

Mikel Weisser passed away in May 2020, but his influence endures through the people and communities he helped uplift. His life serves as a reminder that one person, driven by compassion and conviction, can make a lasting impact.

Jason Lalli: Phoenix Performance Poet and Community Advocate

Jason Lalli is a well-known performance poet and arts organizer in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to bringing poetry and the arts to the forefront of the city’s cultural landscape. Lalli’s journey as a poet began at age 19, but it wasn’t until his late 20s that he truly began to pursue his passion seriously. Since then, Lalli has become a significant figure in the Phoenix poetry scene, using his platform to raise awareness on a range of important social issues.

Early Life and Poetry Beginnings

Lalli’s poetry is deeply rooted in personal experiences and self-awareness, tackling themes such as substance abuse, mental health, child abuse, bullying, and the importance of self-love. His passion for performance poetry was ignited during a transformative moment in 2005, when he felt a strong calling to use his poetry to make a difference in people’s lives. This led him to actively participate in open mics and poetry slams across Phoenix, quickly gaining recognition for his emotionally resonant and impactful performances.

Infuse – Open Mic and Arts Advocacy

In 2010, Lalli founded Infuse – Open Mic, a platform designed to provide a welcoming space for poets, musicians, and performers of all kinds to share their work. The event became one of Phoenix’s most popular open mics, attracting an average of 250 attendees and 30 artists per show. Infuse wasn’t just a place for established performers—it was a venue where newcomers could develop their craft, build connections, and find community. Lalli’s vision for Infuse was to open the stage beyond poetry slam participants, creating a supportive environment for all types of performance art.

Lalli also played a central role in the creation of the Phoenix Festival of the Arts in 2012. Serving as the programming committee chair, Lalli worked alongside other community leaders and activists to establish the city’s first arts festival, aimed at uniting the community through diverse cultural showcases. The festival, held at Margaret T. Hance Park and the Phoenix Center for the Arts, remains a key event in Phoenix’s arts calendar, featuring performances, visual art exhibitions, and interactive workshops.

Awareness and Activism Through Poetry

Lalli describes himself as an awareness/performance poet, using his poetry to shine a light on often overlooked issues, such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, and societal apathy. His work is deeply community-oriented, and he believes that positive change begins with self-reflection and self-awareness. Through his performances, Lalli aims to inspire individuals to think critically about their actions and the impact they have on those around them.

In addition to his work with Infuse and the Phoenix Festival of the Arts, Lalli has also partnered with the organization notMYkid, speaking at schools about substance abuse and sharing his own personal journey to encourage young people to make positive choices.

Legacy and Impact

Jason Lalli’s contributions to the Phoenix arts community have been profound. Through Infuse – Open Mic and his involvement in the Phoenix Festival of the Arts, Lalli has provided countless artists with the opportunity to share their work and connect with others. His poetry, which is both personal and universal, resonates deeply with audiences, tackling difficult topics with honesty and compassion. Lalli continues to advocate for the power of the arts to unite communities and create lasting change, living by his belief that “it only takes one voice, one heart, and one passion to create a positive existence in another’s life.”

For more information about Jason Lalli and his upcoming performances, visit Phoenix Festival of the Arts.

Discover the poets of Arizona HERE.

Kevin Flanagan: A Dynamic Voice in Arizona’s Literary and Performance Scenes

Kevin Flanagan is a versatile writer and performer who began his artistic journey in the bustling creative venues of Phoenix, Arizona. With a background that spans across comedy, improv theater, poetry, and speculative fiction, Flanagan’s work is characterized by its boundary-pushing exploration of dark, humorous, and futuristic themes. His early involvement with Hollis Travelling Treehouse (a late-night children’s television spoof that was performed live at Space 55) and the Cult of the Yellow Sign (a doomsday performance art troupe) helped cultivate his distinctive style that blends performance, satire, and storytelling.

Early Career in Phoenix’s Performance Venues

Flanagan’s roots in Phoenix’s vibrant art scene are integral to his development as both a performer and a writer. He honed his craft in various local venues, including Trunk Space, Space 55, The Firehouse Gallery, The Lost Leaf, Empty Space Theater at Arizona State University, The Torch Theater, and Lawn Gnome Publishing. These venues, known for their embrace of alternative art forms, provided Flanagan with a platform to blend his comedic improvisation with performance poetry and conceptual art.

His early forays into performance art were marked by his inclusion in the Cult of the Yellow Sign, a group known for its provocative and experimental works derived from the work of H.P. Lovecraft and Aleister Crowley. This experience significantly shaped Flanagan’s artistic approach, instilling in him a sense of creative freedom and boldness that he carries into his writing today.

Transition to Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction

Over time, Flanagan transitioned from live performance to focus more on speculative fiction and science fiction, where he has made a name for himself as a writer who deftly explores futuristic themes and societal critiques. His work often delves into the possibilities and perils of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and the blurred boundaries between humanity and machines.

Flanagan’s short stories have been featured in several anthologies, including Myths Subverted, a collection inspired by mythology, and Are You A Robot?, an anthology that explores topics such as robots, androids, cyborgs, autonomous vehicles, and sentient computers. His contributions to these anthologies highlight his ability to weave intricate narratives that challenge our understanding of humanity and technology.

Published Works

Flanagan’s work has been published in a variety of literary journals and magazines, including:

• Exposition Review
• The Daily Drunk
• Dark Fire Fiction
• HorrorSleazeTrash

Each publication showcases a different facet of Flanagan’s writing style, from his darkly humorous takes on speculative futures to his ability to evoke suspense and horror.

Artistic Themes and Style

Kevin Flanagan’s writing is heavily influenced by his background in performance art and comedy, which gives his work a distinctively sharp, often satirical edge. He is particularly drawn to science fiction and speculative fiction, with recurring themes of technology, dystopian futures, and the human condition. His style is engaging, imaginative, and filled with vivid world-building that invites readers to question the ethical implications of technology and the possible futures that await us.

His work is also known for its dark humor and thought-provoking scenarios, tackling complex issues like autonomy, artificial intelligence, and societal power structures in innovative ways.

Current Projects and Future Endeavors

As of now, Flanagan continues to be an active figure in both Arizona’s creative scene and the broader speculative fiction community. His recent work can be accessed through his website kevinmflanagan.com, where readers can explore his published stories, performances, and upcoming projects.

Conclusion

Kevin Flanagan’s unique blend of performance art and speculative fiction makes him a distinctive voice in the Arizona literary and arts community. From the stages of Phoenix’s alternative art venues to the pages of speculative fiction anthologies, Flanagan’s work continues to challenge and entertain audiences with its sharp wit and insightful explorations of the future.

For more information and to explore his latest works, visit kevinmflanagan.com.

Frankie Marchi: Arizona Native, Slam Poet, and Forensics Champion

Frankie Marchi is a dynamic and accomplished poet hailing from Arizona. A graduate of Arizona State University (ASU), Marchi first gained recognition in the competitive world of Speech and Debate, where his talent for performance and interpretation flourished. His involvement in speech and debate laid the groundwork for his later success in slam poetry, a genre known for its emotional depth, powerful delivery, and ability to engage audiences with spoken word.

Early Success and Forensics Achievements

Marchi’s early foray into competitive speaking and performance was highly successful. Notably, in 2016, he placed second in the American Forensics Association Poetry Interpretation competition, one of the most prestigious tournaments in collegiate speech and debate. This achievement solidified his reputation as a skilled interpreter of poetry and performance, combining technique with emotion to deliver captivating performances.

Slam Poetry Career

In 2013, Marchi took his performance skills to the national stage, representing the Phoenix Poetry Slam at the National Poetry Slam. This prestigious competition brought him into the fold of the slam poetry community, where he has since become a notable figure. His work often resonates with personal narratives, social commentary, and powerful storytelling, making him a compelling voice in Arizona’s poetry scene.

Marchi’s slam poetry success reached a peak in 2022 and 2023, when he won back-to-back championships at the All-Arizona Poetry Slam held in Maricopa, Arizona. This annual competition draws poets from across the state, and Marchi’s victories in consecutive years highlight his consistency, talent, and strong connection with both judges and audiences.

Involvement in the Ghost Poetry Slam

Currently, Marchi serves as the Audio Visual Technician for the Ghost Poetry Show, a popular poetry event in Arizona. In this role, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the art form, helping to create engaging and immersive experiences for both poets and audiences alike. Ghost Poetry Slam is known for bringing together poets from diverse backgrounds and giving a platform to both emerging and established voices, and Marchi’s involvement continues to strengthen his connection to the local poetry community.

Style and Influence

Frankie Marchi’s poetry is known for its emotional vulnerability, sharp wit, and reflection on personal and societal themes. His background in Speech and Debate influences his delivery style, which is both technically precise and deeply resonant. Whether exploring personal struggles, social justice issues, or broader philosophical ideas, Marchi’s work continues to evolve while engaging listeners on a profound level.

Legacy and Continued Impact

As a two-time winner of the All-Arizona Poetry Slam and a well-respected figure in Arizona’s poetry scene, Marchi’s influence continues to grow. His ability to bridge the worlds of forensics and slam poetry has made him a unique voice in the contemporary poetry landscape. With ongoing contributions to events like the Ghost Poetry Slam, Marchi remains an active and integral part of Arizona’s thriving spoken word community.

Learn more about the poets of Arizona HERE.

Ruth Stephan: Poet, Philanthropist, and Founder of the University of Arizona Poetry Center

Ruth Stephan (1910–1974), the only daughter of Charles R. Walgreen, the founder of the Walgreens drugstore chain, was much more than the heiress to a business empire. She was a distinguished poet, novelist, publisher, record and film producer, and a passionate advocate for the arts. Stephan’s most enduring legacy within the literary world, particularly in Tucson, Arizona, is the founding of the University of Arizona Poetry Center in 1960, one of the most significant institutions dedicated to poetry in the United States.

Early Life and Literary Pursuits

Born into immense wealth, Stephan chose to dedicate her life to literature and the arts. Despite the expectations that often come with such a privileged background, she forged her own path, driven by a profound love of poetry and a desire to contribute to the cultural landscape. Stephan was not only an accomplished poet herself but also an enthusiastic supporter of other poets. Her work reflected her deep commitment to artistic expression, social issues, and the spiritual dimensions of life.

Her poetry was deeply personal and often explored themes of love, loss, and spiritual contemplation. In addition to her work as a poet, Stephan was a novelist and ventured into multimedia projects, producing records and films that centered around poetry and the arts.

Connection to Tucson and Ada McCormick

Stephan first came to Tucson, Arizona as a winter resident, escaping the harsh winters of her home in Connecticut. She often wrote in a cottage owned by her friend Ada McCormick, herself a key figure in Tucson’s cultural life. Eventually, Stephan bought McCormick’s cottage and an adjoining property. These buildings would later become the foundation of the University of Arizona Poetry Center, which Stephan established in 1960.

The center’s mission, from its inception, was to promote poetry as an art form, both for readers and writers. Stephan not only founded the center but also donated the buildings and provided the financial resources to ensure its sustainability. Her vision was to create a sanctuary for poetry where both emerging and established poets could thrive. Over the years, the UA Poetry Center has hosted numerous visiting poets and writers, including many luminaries of the literary world. Stephan’s legacy as a patron of poetry has thus continued to grow long after her passing.

The University of Arizona Poetry Center

The University of Arizona Poetry Center is one of Stephan’s crowning achievements. It remains an active, vibrant institution that supports the creation, teaching, and appreciation of poetry. The center houses one of the finest collections of contemporary poetry in the country, with over 80,000 volumes, including rare and unique works. Stephan’s dedication to the poetic arts has left an indelible mark on the Tucson poetry community and beyond.

The center has been instrumental in bringing poetry into the everyday lives of people in Arizona, hosting readings, workshops, and visiting writers. It continues to provide a space for poets to share their work with the public, fulfilling Stephan’s dream of fostering a deep connection between poets and their audiences.

Legacy

Ruth Stephan’s contributions to poetry and literature extend beyond her own writing. As a poet, she captured the human condition with precision and grace, but it was through her philanthropy and advocacy for the arts that she truly transformed the literary landscape. The UA Poetry Center stands as a testament to her vision and generosity, ensuring that generations of poets will have a space to share their work and that the Tucson community will continue to have access to the transformative power of poetry.

Though Stephan passed away in 1974, her influence is still felt today, not only in Tucson but in the broader world of American poetry. Her commitment to fostering a space where poetry could be celebrated and shared has made her a beloved figure in the literary community.

Further Reading and Sources:

• University of Arizona Poetry Center

Natalie Diaz: Poet, Language Advocate, and Cultural Ambassador

Natalie Diaz, born on September 4, 1978, in the Fort Mojave Indian Village in Needles, California, is a celebrated Mojave-American poet whose work delves into identity, language, love, and the complex intersections of Indigenous culture and contemporary American life. An enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community, Diaz’s poetry masterfully combines personal narrative with larger cultural and political themes, earning her a place among the most influential poets of her generation.

Early Life and Athletic Pursuits

Growing up in the Mojave Valley on the Arizona-California border, Diaz was raised in a close-knit community where storytelling, tradition, and language played a vital role. She attended Old Dominion University (ODU) on a full athletic scholarship, where she excelled as a basketball player. A standout athlete, Diaz went on to play professional basketball in Europe and Asia, a career that took her far from her desert roots but ultimately brought her back to the Mojave.

After retiring from basketball, Diaz returned to Old Dominion University, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. This marked a pivotal shift in her life, transitioning from professional athlete to poet and cultural advocate.

Poetry Collections and Critical Acclaim

Diaz’s debut poetry collection, When My Brother Was an Aztec (Copper Canyon Press, 2012), explores deeply personal and familial experiences against the backdrop of larger societal issues. The collection, marked by its raw emotional power, addresses topics such as addiction, the complexities of Indigenous identity, and the tensions between personal and collective memory. The book was widely praised, with The New York Times calling it an “ambitious and beautiful book.” Diaz’s voice was immediately recognized for its boldness, sensitivity, and the way it bridges historical pain with contemporary realities.

Her second collection, Postcolonial Love Poem (Graywolf Press, 2020), won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 2021. The collection is a meditation on desire, intimacy, and the ways in which love intersects with identity, colonization, and violence. Through these poems, Diaz moves seamlessly between the personal and the political, blending sensuality with the scars of colonialism. In the titular poem, she writes of love not just as an intimate act but as a defiant, decolonizing force. Postcolonial Love Poem has been described as a work of healing, both for the author and her readers, tackling the complex relationship between body, land, and language.

Language Revitalization and Cultural Work

Beyond her poetry, Diaz has dedicated much of her life to the preservation of the Mojave language. She returned to the Mojave Valley to work with the last fluent speakers of Mojave, directing a language revitalization program to ensure that the culture, language, and stories of her people endure. Diaz sees language as a vital link between identity and place, and much of her poetry is influenced by her work in this area. In an interview with PBS, Diaz described writing as a way of exploring “hunger”—a hunger for understanding, belonging, and healing, particularly in relation to her experiences as an Indigenous woman raised in the Mojave Desert.

This commitment to language preservation, alongside her literary achievements, positions Diaz not only as a poet but also as a crucial advocate for cultural continuity and Indigenous representation. Her work emphasizes the importance of language as a tool of empowerment and survival for Indigenous communities.

Themes and Style

Diaz’s poetry is known for its lyrical intensity and deep emotional resonance. Her work often weaves together elements of nature, history, and personal narrative, creating a unique poetic landscape that is both intimate and vast. She explores themes of love, loss, colonization, and survival, while also addressing contemporary issues like climate change, the commodification of Indigenous culture, and systemic racism. Her poetry transcends boundaries, blending the personal with the political, the ancient with the modern.

Diaz also draws inspiration from the desert landscape of her childhood. The arid beauty of the Mojave Desert permeates her work, becoming a symbol of both survival and desolation. This connection to land is deeply tied to her identity as Mojave, where the land is not just a backdrop but a living entity intertwined with language, culture, and memory.

Her writing is also marked by a profound engagement with sensuality and the body. In Postcolonial Love Poem, Diaz uses the body as a site of both pleasure and pain, a battleground for the legacies of colonization but also a place of resistance, joy, and love. She writes with a visceral, almost tactile quality that brings her experiences—and those of her community—into sharp, vivid focus.

Honors and Recognition

In addition to winning the Pulitzer Prize for Postcolonial Love Poem, Natalie Diaz has received numerous awards and fellowships, including the Nimrod/Hardman Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry, a Lannan Literary Fellowship, the Narrative Poetry Prize, and the Louis Untermeyer Scholarship in Poetry from the prestigious Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference. She is also the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the “Genius Grant,” which recognizes her extraordinary contributions to literature and language preservation.

Diaz has also served as a professor and mentor, sharing her expertise and passion for language with students at institutions like Arizona State University. Her commitment to education, both in the classroom and within her community, underscores her belief in the transformative power of language and storytelling.

Legacy and Ongoing Influence

Natalie Diaz’s poetry is a powerful testament to the resilience of Indigenous cultures and the transformative potential of love, language, and art. Her work has opened doors for a new generation of Native American writers and has given voice to the complexities of modern Indigenous identity. Through her writing, teaching, and activism, Diaz continues to push the boundaries of contemporary poetry, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and respected.

Living in Mohave Valley, Arizona, Diaz remains deeply connected to her roots while also engaging with a broader literary and cultural landscape. Her poetry, grounded in the Mojave Desert but reaching far beyond, continues to challenge, inspire, and move readers across the globe.

References:

• Natalie Diaz at Poetry Foundation
• PBS NewsHour: Mojave Poetry and Language
• MacArthur Foundation: Natalie Diaz

Discover more poets of Arizona HERE.

Anna Flores: Arizona-Born Poet and Cultural Storyteller

Anna Flores is an emerging voice in contemporary American poetry, with deep ties to the cultural landscapes of the U.S.-Mexico border. Born in Nogales, Arizona, Flores’s work is shaped by the complex intersection of her heritage, environment, and identity. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Arizona State University (ASU), where she has gained recognition for her distinctive voice that blends personal narratives with broader cultural commentary.

Literary Work and Style

Flores’s poetry often explores themes of identity, culture, and the lived experiences of Mexican-Americans and borderland communities. Her book of poems, Pocha Theory, is a striking exploration of these themes, delving into the experiences of being “pocha”—a term often used to describe Mexican-Americans perceived as disconnected from their Mexican roots. Flores addresses the nuances of language, belonging, and the tension between cultural traditions and modernity. Her voice is raw, lyrical, and evocative, making her work both deeply personal and universally resonant.

In addition to Pocha Theory, Flores is currently working on a manuscript titled Oracaniones, Praysongs, and Sigilos, a project that promises to blend elements of prayer, song, and spiritual incantation, underscoring the ways in which language and spirituality can be reclaimed by marginalized communities.

Recent Recognition and Awards

Anna Flores has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors that highlight her growing influence in the literary world. Her accolades include:

• The 2021 Swarthout Award in Writing, one of Arizona State University’s most prestigious awards for creative writing.
• A 2021 Creative Research Fellowship from the Center for Imagination in the Borderlands, a program dedicated to supporting the work of artists and writers who explore themes related to borderlands culture, history, and storytelling.
• The 2020 Mabelle A. Lyon Poetry Award, further affirming her talent and contribution to contemporary poetry.

Her works have been featured in various literary publications, with one of her most recent poems appearing in the Red Tree Review, showcasing her ability to capture both the specificities of border culture and universal experiences of love, loss, and identity.

Cultural Advocacy and Community Engagement

Flores’s poetry not only reflects her individual experience but also speaks to the shared experiences of many Mexican-Americans, particularly those navigating the complexities of the borderlands. As a poet who writes about the intersections of language, culture, and spirituality, she brings attention to the issues of displacement, cultural hybridity, and the importance of community. Her work with the Center for Imagination in the Borderlands has allowed her to continue amplifying marginalized voices, advocating for the stories and perspectives of borderland communities.

Flores’s work stands as a testament to the power of poetry to reclaim narratives, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges between divided worlds. Through her creative research and literary exploration, she is shaping new ways of understanding identity, language, and belonging in contemporary America.

Future Projects

As she continues her journey as a writer and scholar, Flores remains dedicated to creating spaces for cultural dialogue and introspection. Her upcoming manuscript, Oracaniones, Praysongs, and Sigilos, promises to further explore the intersections of spirituality, cultural identity, and the power of language as a tool for both resistance and healing.

Anna Flores is undoubtedly a poet to watch, as her body of work continues to grow and influence a new generation of poets who navigate similar cultural landscapes and histories.

Further Reading:

• Pocha Theory (Available through various literary outlets)
• Red Tree Review for recent work by Anna Flores
• Arizona State University and The Center for Imagination in the Borderlands for updates on her fellowships and ongoing projects.

Discover more poets of Arizona HERE.