Tag: 2010s Poetry

Read 2010s Poetry written by slam poets, cowboy poets, and literary giants inspired by the state of Arizona on AZpoetry.com!

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.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH BEING HUMAN poem by Josh Rathkamp

May 31, 2025

“WHAT’S WRONG WITH BEING HUMAN” by Josh Rathkamp

I lived two houses down a dead end street.
When the river ran rough
we checked our basements.
We called to each other to help.
We hauled boxes up
from the dark like large fish.

When Mary or Mark or Helen died,
little by little,
we all did. We sent flowers.
The street took to looking
like a Cadillac. It grew bolder.
It grew rosy cheeks.

When Jack repainted, John
repainted, and the painters
ate lunch on the roof.

We said “it looks nice,”
nodding at our mailboxes.
We waved while shoveling snow
off the walkway no one walked
but the dogs and our manic-depressive mailman.

When we wanted an egg or a glass
of milk we drove to the store.
We stared out our windows.
Our children grew without parents.
We grew into speaking without words.

We thought our reflections
in the lamplight were only there
out of loyalty, and, if given
a chance, would run
like Mrs. Eddie’s dead son
naked, through trees.

About the poet Josh Rathkamp

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.

itll take the edge off they say natasha murdock poem artwork pregnancy

it’ll take the edge off they say by Natasha Murdock

May 9, 2025

“it’ll take the edge off they say” by Natasha Murdock

but I am made of edges
edges of elbows & guilt & feet & baby
edges staring me in the face—pain
managed through natural techniques—
as if these edges that rip up my spine
& ribs & lungs are natural
as if disappointment isn’t just
another edge to jump off
as if lifting one thing doesn’t
expose one other thing to pain
as if preparing to be split into two
is as easy as scribbling down
a wish to be whole

About the poet Natasha Murdock

In her visceral and introspective poem “it’ll take the edge off they say,” Natasha Murdock confronts the complexities of womanhood, pain, and the contradictory expectations surrounding childbirth and the female body. The poem is part of her powerful collection sign on the dotted line to release the record, a 2017 National Poetry Series winner that investigates the terrain of motherhood, sexuality, and identity with both lyrical precision and unflinching honesty.

Summary

The speaker begins by identifying herself not as a cohesive whole but as “made of edges”—physical, emotional, maternal, and psychological. These edges include elbows, feet, guilt, and the omnipresent baby. From the outset, Murdock positions her body and experience within a framework of fragmentation and pain. The poem takes aim at the idea that pain can be managed with “natural techniques,” exposing the absurdity of pretending that such suffering is easily soothed or inherently noble.

She interrogates the romanticization of “natural” pain and questions societal platitudes about endurance and sacrifice. The poem’s imagery is sharp and layered: edges “rip up” the spine and ribs, and disappointment is just “another edge to jump off.” The final lines crystallize the central tension—how the act of preparing to be “split into two” during childbirth is anything but natural, or easy. The wish to be whole stands in stark contrast to the reality of being divided, physically and emotionally.

Analysis

Murdock’s use of enjambment and line breaks creates a sense of breathlessness and fragmentation, echoing the speaker’s bodily and psychological experience. The repeated invocation of “edges” reflects both the literal sensations of pain and the metaphorical contours of a life being reshaped by motherhood. Each edge carries weight—some cutting, some unavoidable, some anticipated but still overwhelming.

The poem critiques the cultural narrative that positions maternal suffering as noble or desirable. In doing so, it pushes back against both traditional and modern expectations placed on women: to endure, to perform, to manage pain gracefully, and to emerge from childbirth somehow stronger or fulfilled. Murdock turns the medical and cultural jargon of childbirth—“natural techniques,” “pain management”—into sources of irony and critique, revealing how language itself can obscure the brutal truths of embodied experience.

There’s a quiet rage beneath the surface of this poem, a defiant refusal to accept pain as virtue or silence as strength. And yet, the final line—“a wish to be whole”—offers a glimmer of longing, if not hope. It’s a wish that resonates with anyone who has felt the world’s expectations carve into their identity.

Murdock’s poetic voice is sharp, intimate, and undeniably essential in the contemporary conversation on gender, motherhood, and bodily autonomy.

Want to learn more about Natasha Murdock’s work and poetic journey?
Click here to visit her poet bio page on AZPoetry.com »

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.

14 Lines from Love Letters or Suicide Notes Doc Luben Poem Artwork

14 Lines From Love Letters Or Suicide Notes by Doc Luben

April 24, 2025

“14 Lines From Love Letters Or Suicide Notes” by Doc Luben

I
Don’t freak out

II
We both know this has been coming for a long time.

III
I’ve been staying awake at night, wondering if I should tell you.

IV
I bought the kind of crackers you can eat, they are in the hall cupboard.

V
Now that we have watched all the episodes of True Blood, I do not know what else to do next.

VI
I always imagined this would happen without warning and like suddenly on an ocean cliff side
But this is the kind of thing where waiting for the time to be right, would just mean waiting forever.

VII
I’ve just been too afraid for too long.

VIII
I came home on Tuesday and found all of the chairs that I owned stacked in a tower in the center of my kitchen.
I don’t know how long they have been like that,
but it can only be me that did it.
It’s the kind of thing a ghost might do to prove to the living that he is still there.
I am haunting my own apartment.

VIIII
My grandmother was still alive when I was five years old and she asked me to check and see
if the iron was hot enough yet. So I pressed my hand against it and it was red
and screaming for hours.
Twenty-five years later she would still sometimes
apologize, in the middle of conversations,
“I feel so bad about making you touch the iron” she’d say, as though it had just happened.
I cannot imagine how we forgive ourselves for all the things we didn’t say until it was too late.
But how else do you tell if something is hot but to touch it?

X
I keep imagining my furniture in your
apartment.

XI
I wonder how many likes this will get on Facebook.

XII
My dad always used to tell the same joke, but I can’t remember the punchline.

XIII
I was eight years old and it took three weeks, three eight-year-old weeks, imagine! To gather
everything that I would need to be Batman.
Rope.
Boomerangs.
A Mardi Gras mask with the beads cut off.
I couldn’t find a cave near my house,
so I buried them all in a bundle under the ivy.
For years after, I tried to find that spot again.
The ivy grew too fast.
I searched in so many spots it seemed impossible that I had missed one, but I never found it.
How can something be there and then not be there?
How do we forgive ourselves for all the things we did not become?

XIV
I never had the courage to buy bright green sheets.
I wanted them but thought they were too brash, even with no one but me to see them.
I bought a set yesterday and put them on the bed.
I knew that you would like them.

Transcribed from the video 14 Lines From Love Letters Or Suicide Notes by Button Poetry and Doc Luben.

Watch Doc Luben perform “14 Lines From Love Letters Or Suicide Notes” at the 2014 Individual World Poetry Slam in Phoenix, AZ

About the poet Doc Luben

Doc Luben’s poem “14 Lines from Love Letters or Suicide Notes” is a poignant exploration of the blurred lines between affection and despair, capturing the complexities of human emotion in a series of evocative statements. Each line stands alone yet contributes to a cohesive narrative that delves into themes of love, loss, mental health, and self-reflection.

Summary of “14 Lines From Love Letters Or Suicide Notes”

The poem is structured as fourteen standalone lines, each resembling a sentence that could be found in either a love letter or a suicide note. This duality creates a powerful tension, as readers are invited to interpret each line through the lens of both deep affection and profound despair.

Some lines convey mundane details, such as, “I bought the kind of crackers you like. They are in the hall cupboard,” while others delve into more introspective territory, like, “I cannot imagine how we forgive ourselves for all of the things we didn’t say until it was too late.” This juxtaposition highlights the coexistence of everyday life and inner turmoil.

Analysis: Navigating the Intersection of Love and Despair

Luben’s poem masterfully captures the ambiguity and complexity of human emotions. By presenting lines that could belong to either a love letter or a suicide note, he underscores how expressions of love and cries for help can often be indistinguishable.

The poem also touches on the theme of memory and the passage of time. Lines referencing childhood experiences and forgotten jokes suggest a longing for connection and understanding. The final line, “I bought a set yesterday and put them on the bed. I knew that you would like them,” implies a gesture of love that may also be a farewell.

Overall, “14 Lines From Love Letters Or Suicide Notes” challenges readers to consider the nuances of communication and the importance of empathy, especially in recognizing the signs of mental health struggles.

Discover More About Doc Luben

Doc Luben is a renowned poet and performer known for his emotionally charged and thought-provoking work. His poetry often explores themes of love, identity, and mental health, resonating with audiences across the country. To learn more about Doc Luben’s life, career, and contributions to the world of poetry, visit his poet bio page on AZPoetry.com.

Doc Luben

April 24, 2025

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 captivating stage presence, Doc is a two-time Poetry Slam Champion of Portland, Oregon and a finalist at the 2013 Individual World Poetry Slam. In Arizona, he claimed the title of Tucson Poetry Slam Champion in 2009 and has continued to inspire new generations of poets across the Southwest.

Whether he’s headlining comic conventions, teaching workshops in schools, or weaving narratives that balance heartbreak with humor, Doc Luben’s work proves that poetry is not just alive—it’s electric.

CalArts to Comic Cons: An Artist with Nerd Credentials

Doc Luben studied at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), a progressive, interdisciplinary institution known for producing some of the most adventurous artists of our time. There, he honed his ability to blur the lines between spoken word, theater, and literature—developing a distinct style equal parts literary and pop culture-savvy.

A longtime fixture at geek gatherings like Phoenix ComicCon and Rose City ComicCon, Doc is no stranger to the intersection of art and fandom. As a panelist and performer at the 2010 Phoenix ComicCon Nerd Slam, he proved that poetry could coexist with cosplay, and that the language of the heart speaks fluently in comic book references.

Doc Luben in Arizona: A Voice for the Desert’s Dreamers

Though his performances have earned him acclaim nationwide, Doc has deep ties to Arizona’s poetry community. His work in Tucson’s vibrant slam scene earned him the 2009 championship, and his involvement with the Arizona Classical Theater introduced audiences to a playwright equally adept at verse and dramatic form. As a teaching artist, he has facilitated countless youth workshops across the state, using poetry as a vehicle for empowerment, resistance, and self-discovery.

Doc has been a featured performer at nearly every major poetry venue in Arizona—including Lawn Gnome Publishing in downtown Phoenix, where he has headlined many times, bringing his signature mix of vulnerable truth-telling and theatrical flair.

What Makes Doc Luben’s Poetry Unique?

Doc’s work is a masterclass in the art of confession without self-pity. His poems often walk a tightrope between the tragic and the comic, confronting trauma, masculinity, queerness, addiction, heartbreak, and mental health with a voice that is at once devastatingly honest and refreshingly irreverent.

His performances are built like one-act plays, drawing audiences into worlds where vulnerability is weaponized and laughter is a survival tactic. Whether telling the story of a failed relationship with the fervor of a tent preacher or exploring personal grief with subtle surrealism, Doc never flinches—and neither does his audience.

Teaching the Next Generation: Subversive Workshops and Youth Outreach

For more than 20 years, Doc Luben has worked with young people in classrooms, after-school programs, and poetry slams to build confidence, encourage storytelling, and teach the mechanics of great writing. His workshops are known for being radically inclusive, emotionally safe, and artistically daring.

His teaching method, like his poetry, doesn’t talk down to students. Instead, it invites them to speak up—loudly, fearlessly, and with the full range of their lived experience.

Digital Presence and Legacy Work

Though known primarily for his stage work, Doc Luben also maintains a digital presence through platforms like Tumblr, where fans can engage with his written work and stay up to date on live performances. His blog, doclubenpoetry.tumblr.com, is a trove of archived poems, thoughts on writing, and updates from the road.

As the national poetry scene evolves, Doc remains a beacon of what’s possible when spoken word poetry is fused with theatrical storytelling, literary precision, and social commentary.

Influence and Collaborations

Doc’s influence extends far beyond his own body of work. He has mentored dozens of young poets who have gone on to become champions in their own right, and has collaborated with visual artists, filmmakers, musicians, and playwrights across the country. His poetry has been featured at slams, literary festivals, and fringe theaters, as well as incorporated into interdisciplinary performances that combine lighting design, soundscapes, and live performance.

Signature Poems and Performances

Among the most iconic pieces in Doc’s arsenal are poems that blend personal narrative with biting cultural critique. Many of these works have been performed to standing ovations in national competitions, featured on slam poetry YouTube channels, and taught in college-level literature and performance studies classes.

Some recurring themes in his work include:

The conflict between performance and authenticity
Grief and the lingering ghosts of childhood trauma
Queer identity and the politics of masculinity
Escapism through pop culture and fandom
The failures and small redemptions of everyday love

Doc Luben and the Legacy of Slam Poetry

Doc Luben emerged during the golden era of slam, alongside poets like Anis Mojgani, Rachel McKibbens, and Mighty Mike McGee. His work captures the spirit of that movement—part confessional, part theatrical, wholly raw—and continues to evolve with today’s changing poetry landscape.

He’s also part of the living history of slam’s influence in the Southwest. Like The Klute, Myrlin Hepworth, and Tomas Stanton, Doc has helped shape Arizona’s performance poetry community into one that prizes emotional intelligence, intersectionality, and stagecraft.

Doc Luben in His Own Words

As Doc once famously declared onstage:

“We are all soft parts and lightning bolts.”

That poetic duality—the tender vulnerability and the sudden, crackling insight—is at the heart of everything he writes and performs.

Where to See Doc Luben Next

Though he’s no longer competing on the slam circuit, Doc continues to perform at select venues and teach workshops across Arizona and beyond. Follow his poetry and updates on his Tumblr blog, and check AZPoetry.com’s events calendar to see when he’ll next hit the mic.

Final Thoughts: The Poet as Survivor

At his core, Doc Luben is a survivor—of trauma, addiction, heartbreak, and all the other broken things that make a poet a poet. His work is a blueprint for finding humor in the pain, power in the vulnerability, and art in the aftermath.

For audiences across the country—and especially for Arizona’s poetic landscape—Doc Luben is a legend, a mentor, and a reminder that even the darkest story deserves to be told.

David Chorlton

April 9, 2025

David Chorlton: Bridging Continents Through Poetry

From Austria to Arizona: A Journey Across Cultures

Born in Austria in 1948, David Chorlton spent his formative years in Manchester, England, amidst the industrial landscapes of the northern region. In his early twenties, he relocated to Vienna, Austria, where he immersed himself in the rich European art and music scene. In 1978, Chorlton moved to Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife, Roberta, marking the beginning of a profound connection with the American Southwest.

A Deep Connection with the Desert Landscape

Settling in Arizona, Chorlton developed a profound appreciation for the desert’s unique beauty and its diverse wildlife. This admiration is vividly reflected in his poetry, which often explores themes of nature and the environment. His collection, The Porous Desert, exemplifies this focus, offering readers an intimate portrayal of the Arizona landscape.

Acclaimed Works and Literary Contributions

Throughout his literary career, Chorlton has produced an impressive array of poetry collections. Notable works include:

Poetry Mountain
Waiting for the Quetzal (March Street Press)
The Devil’s Sonata (FutureCycle Press, 2012)
Selected Poems (FutureCycle Press, 2014)

His chapbooks have also garnered recognition, with The Lost River winning the Ronald Wardall Award from Rain Mountain Press in 2008, and From the Age of Miracles securing the Slipstream Chapbook Competition in 2009.

Exploring Fiction and Translation

Beyond poetry, Chorlton ventured into fiction with The Taste of Fog, a novel set in 1962 Vienna that delves into the complexities of a murder investigation. Additionally, he has contributed to literary translation, bringing to English audiences the works of Austrian poet Christine Lavant in Shatter the Bell in My Ear, published by The Bitter Oleander Press.

A Voice in Anthologies and Exhibitions

Chorlton’s poetry has been featured in various anthologies, including Fever Dreams (University of Arizona Press) and New Poets of the American West (Many Voices Press). His work also played a role in the “Fires of Change” exhibition, a collaboration between artists and scientists addressing the impact of climate change on forest management.