My mother used to cook for me Which bears comment, these days Dinner was a regimental affair throughout my teen years.
Spaghetti, jarred sauce, garlic bread and bagged salad.
Beef tacos- Shredded lettuce, Diced tomatoes, and bagged cheese.
These are the dishes we ate every week, With the precision of A swiss timekeeping device.
But once a year, On the day of my birth She would make this one thing Especially for me.
Rotini pasta, in a casserole dish With squares of diced ham and four kinds of cheese
Dusted with breadcrumbs And baked in the oven Till it settled in place As a thick white brick
It was served with a spatula In a square on my plate Where it would slump in exaustion And collapse on itself
I used to devour it Excited for novelty And the demarcation of time Baked into its core
She still makes it for me Every year on my birthday Delivered in tupperware Clear bottom, blue top
The dish has no name But the one that she gave it “Fancy mac and cheese” Or “pasta putting on airs”
Nowadays I freeze it, (Damn my glycemic index) And birthdays are less Of a celebration anymore
And on a day when my heartstrings Twang for a moments nostalgia I thaw that pale casserole And set the oven to broil
In the heat, how it changes As it slowly melts down I look more and more like it Every single new year
My palette has changed Since I first said “I love this” And moved towards the bitter, As one often does.
But of this there’s no question, I’ll defend with last breath: My mother’s mac and cheese Puts others to death.
About the poet Kevin Flanagan
Kevin Flanagan found his writing style while creating improv theater and performance art in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Recently published for science fiction and speculative fiction in various online journals, his poetry offers a unique flavor to the history of Arizona poets.
atlas st. cloud: Poet, Advocate, and Voice for Queer and Disabled Communities
atlas st. cloud is a poet from Phoenix, Arizona, who uses his writing to explore themes of gender, queerness, mental health, and disability. Raised in the conservative traditions of the Mormon faith, atlas’s work is deeply personal, often grappling with the complexities of identity, faith, and self-discovery. His poetry offers a lens into the lived experiences of a disabled queer person navigating societal norms and expectations.
Both books were published by Kith Books, a publisher that specializes in amplifying marginalized voices. These collections delve into the intersections of disability, queerness, and mental health, with an honest, raw, and often heart-wrenching perspective. Atlas’s work is recognized for its ability to bring together personal reflection with broader social commentary, making his poetry both intimate and universal.
His writing confronts the difficulties of reconciling his upbringing with his identity, offering readers a unique window into the pain, growth, and resilience that comes from challenging the boundaries imposed by society and faith.
Performance and Community Involvement
In addition to his written work, atlas st. cloud has performed at key poetry venues in the Phoenix area, including The Phoenix Poetry Slam and Ghost Poetry Show.
Both of these platforms have allowed Atlas to reach wider audiences and share his deeply affecting poetry with those who may have similar struggles or experiences. His performances are known for their emotional intensity and thought-provoking content, blending vulnerability with empowerment.
Themes in His Work
Atlas’s poetry often focuses on themes of:
Gender identity and queerness: He writes about the challenges and triumphs of existing as a queer person in a world that can be hostile to non-normative identities.
Mental health: atlas uses his own experiences to write about the complexities of mental health struggles, particularly from the perspective of someone navigating these challenges as a disabled person.
Disability: His work speaks to the realities of living with a disability, addressing both the personal aspects and the societal barriers that disabled individuals face.
Faith and religion: Raised in the Mormon faith, Atlas’s writing frequently engages with questions of faith, often critiquing the constraints and expectations imposed by religious institutions, while simultaneously exploring the role of faith in personal identity.
Personal Life and Identity
atlas st. cloud’s personal history of growing up within the Mormon Church deeply informs his writing. His poetry is a reflection of his journey toward self-acceptance and understanding of his own identity as a queer, disabled person. atlas has used his work to challenge traditional narratives and expand the conversation about what it means to live authentically while navigating the confines of societal and religious expectations.
Living in Phoenix, Arizona, atlas remains an active participant in the local poetry scene and continues to use his work as a platform for advocacy, emphasizing the importance of intersectionality and amplifying marginalized voices.
Legacy and Impact
atlas st. cloud is part of a new generation of poets whose work is pushing the boundaries of what poetry can achieve in terms of activism and self-expression. His commitment to exploring difficult themes and his willingness to be vulnerable on stage and in his writing make him an essential voice in contemporary poetry. Through his work, he provides a space for those who often feel unseen, offering both solidarity and inspiration.
To learn more about st. cloud and his poetry, visit Kith Books or look for his performances at poetry venues across Phoenix.
st. cloud’s work continues to resonate with readers and listeners, offering hope, truth, and a raw examination of life at the intersections of queerness, disability, and mental health. His ability to blend personal experience with larger social issues makes him an important voice in today’s poetry landscape.
Shawnte Orion: Arizona’s Poet of Modern Absurdity and Elegance
Shawnte Orion is a contemporary Arizona poet whose work masterfully navigates the absurdities of modern life. Blending nuggets of philosophy, religion, and mathematics, his poetry creates a unique mix of elegies and celebrations that capture the nuances of mortality, time, and human experience. With a sharp sense of humor and an unwavering eye for detail, Orion’s work resonates with audiences both locally in Arizona and beyond.
Diverse Influences and Unique Voice
Drawing inspiration from a wide array of cultural icons, Shawnte Orion’s creative vision is as eclectic as it is profound. His influences range from the cinematic brilliance of Kurosawa films to the bold, fashion-forward spectacle of Project Runway. These diverse elements converge in his poetry, where references to iconic writers, rock stars, and everyday life create a rich tapestry of imagery and meaning. His acclaimed poetry collection, “The Existentialist Cookbook“ (NYQBooks), encapsulates his distinctive voice and perspective, earning him critical acclaim in the literary community. He is also the author of “The Gravity and The Spectacle“. Published by Tolsun Books, Orion’s poetry is juxtaposed with photography by Jia Oak Baker to create a surreal and reflection on Phoenix’s counterculture of folk punk, skateboarding, and psychedelia.
Orion’s work has been featured in prestigious journals including Threepenny Review, Barrelhouse, Georgetown Review, and New York Quarterly, affirming his reputation as a significant voice in contemporary poetry. In addition to writing, he serves as an editor for Rinky Dink Press, where he plays a vital role in promoting and developing micro-poetry.
Eclectic Performance and Community Engagement
Shawnte Orion’s passion for poetry extends beyond the written word—he brings his verses to life through captivating live performances. His dynamic presence has lit up stages at traditional venues like bookstores and universities, as well as in unconventional spaces such as bars, hair salons, museums, and even laundromats. This commitment to accessibility and creativity reflects his belief that poetry should be available to everyone, regardless of setting.
His ability to distill complex observations into engaging, humorous insights invites audiences to reflect on their own lives, making each performance a shared experience of introspection and delight. Orion’s work continues to inspire those who encounter his art, fostering a vibrant community of Arizona poets and spoken word artists.
Discover More About Shawnte Orion
Shawnte Orion’s poetry offers a fresh perspective on the human condition by sifting through the chaos of modern living and uncovering the profound in everyday moments. His unique blend of humor, intellect, and observational clarity has made him one of Arizona’s most dynamic contemporary poets.
To learn more about Arizona’s plethora of wordsmiths, tap HERE.
