Tag: Academia

Eduardo C Corral

February 24, 2025

Eduardo C Corral: Arizona-Born Poet, Educator, and Trailblazer in Contemporary Latino Literature

Eduardo C. Corral is a critically acclaimed American poet whose work seamlessly blends cultural heritage with modern sensibilities. Born on February 25, 1973, in Casa Grande, Arizona, Corral has emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary poetry and Latino literature. His pioneering achievements—most notably as the first Latino poet to win the prestigious Yale Younger Series Poets award for his collection Slow Lightning—have cemented his place in the literary canon while inspiring a new generation of writers.

Early Life and Educational Roots

Growing up in Casa Grande, Arizona, Eduardo C. Corral was immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of the Southwest from an early age. The values and traditions of his family, rooted in the diverse heritage of the region, would later infuse his poetic voice with depth and authenticity. As a young student, Corral already demonstrated a passion for creative writing; an anecdote from his high school AP English class—where he crafted a poem inspired by Beowulf—hints at the early spark that would eventually blaze into a formidable career in poetry.

Corral pursued higher education with vigor, studying Chicano Studies at Arizona State University. His time at ASU not only deepened his understanding of his cultural identity but also honed his skills as a writer. He further refined his craft by earning a Master of Fine Arts from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, one of the nation’s premier writing programs. These academic experiences laid the groundwork for his future contributions to literature and provided him with the tools to explore complex themes such as identity, loss, and social justice in his work.

Literary Career and Notable Works

Eduardo C. Corral’s literary career took off with the publication of his groundbreaking poetry collection, Slow Lightning (Yale University Press, 2012). Selected by poet Carl Phillips for the Yale Younger Series Poets award, Slow Lightning distinguished Corral as a fresh, innovative voice—one who masterfully captures the intersection of personal experience with broader cultural narratives. His work is celebrated for its precision, emotional resonance, and its ability to challenge and redefine traditional poetic forms.

In 2020, Corral continued to push artistic boundaries with his work guillotine, which earned him the 2021 Lambda Literary Award for Gay Poetry and was longlisted for the 2020 National Book Award for Poetry. This collection further solidified his reputation as a poet who fearlessly explores themes of identity and transformation, resonating deeply within both the LGBTQ+ community and among readers at large.

Throughout his career, Corral’s poetry has been featured in renowned journals and anthologies such as Black Warrior Review, Beloit Poetry Journal, Colorado Review, Indiana Review, Meridian, MiPOesias, and The Nation. His work reflects a diverse range of influences, including literary giants like Robert Hayden, Federico García Lorca, C.D. Wright, and José Montoya—each leaving an indelible mark on his evolving style and thematic focus.

Educator and Advocate for Creative Expression

Beyond his achievements as a poet, Eduardo C. Corral is also a dedicated educator. As an MFA Assistant Professor in the Department of English at NC State University, he shares his passion for writing and critical thinking with aspiring poets and students. His teaching is marked by a commitment to fostering creative expression and encouraging students to explore their own unique voices while engaging with complex cultural and social themes.

Corral’s involvement in initiatives such as the CantoMundo Writers Conference—where he was a founding fellow—demonstrates his commitment to building supportive networks for Latino and multicultural writers. By mentoring emerging poets and facilitating collaborative workshops, he has contributed significantly to expanding the landscape of contemporary American poetry.

Awards, Fellowships, and Global Recognition

Eduardo C. Corral’s contributions have garnered numerous accolades over the years. His impressive list of awards includes the Yale Younger Series Poets award (2011), making him the first Latino recipient of this honor, as well as the Whiting Award (2011). His work has also been recognized through fellowships at esteemed institutions such as Yaddo, the MacDowell Colony, and the Olive B. O’Connor Fellowship (2009). Most recently, his collection guillotine won the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Poetry in 2021, affirming his status as a groundbreaking voice in modern poetry.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Eduardo C. Corral’s work stands as a testament to the power of poetry to transcend boundaries and transform lives. Rooted in his Arizona heritage and enriched by a diverse educational background, his poems address universal themes with clarity and passion. As both a poet and an educator, Corral continues to shape the conversation around identity, culture, and social justice, inspiring readers and emerging writers around the world.

A Human Heart poem by Austin Davis | AZpoetry.com

A Human Heart by Austin Davis

February 18, 2025

“A Human Heart” by Austin Davis

I’m missing you,
so obviously, this cloud
looks like a heart.

Not the corporate, greeting
card, capitalist kind of heart,
all cartoonish and fake,

or the smooth shape
two swans’ necks make
when they’re about
to get it on
to some lofi jazz shit,

but a real heart.

This is the kind of heart
I’ve drawn at the bottom
of every love poem
I’ve ever written you.

This is a human heart,
gross and squishy –
as raw and intimate

as standing naked in the daylight
in front of your soulmate
for the first time.

This is the kind of heart
that makes sure
your hand pulls out a dollar

every time a homeless woman
tells a shopping cart
about her childhood.

This is the only sad, beautiful
little thing no poet could ever
find a way to capture
with a pen or a cigarette,

the soft, juicy peach
floating through our night’s
quiet chest, far too in love

with the way its sun
will always love the color purple
at 5 in the afternoon

to take another beat
or shed another tear.

About the poet Austin Davis

“A Human Heart” by Austin Davis is a raw, evocative meditation on the authenticity of emotion and the vulnerability of love. In the poem, Davis contrasts the clichéd, superficial representations of the heart with a depiction of a “real” human heart—messy, imperfect, and deeply intimate. He uses vivid imagery and unconventional metaphors—from clouds shaped like hearts to the tactile, almost grotesque nature of genuine emotion—to underscore that true love and humanity cannot be neatly packaged or commodified. Instead, they are embodied in every deeply personal and flawed moment, whether it’s the act of drawing a heart in a love poem or the bittersweet experience of witnessing another’s struggles. The poem challenges us to appreciate the beauty in raw, unfiltered emotion, inviting us to embrace our authentic selves, imperfections and all.

Discover more about Austin Davis, his unique poetic vision, and his contributions to Arizona’s vibrant literary scene by visiting his full bio HERE.

Rosemarie Dombrowski

February 13, 2020

Rosemarie Dombrowski: Phoenix’s Trailblazing Poet Laureate and Literary Innovator

Rosemarie Dombrowski is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Phoenix, Arizona, and a dynamic force in the city’s literary landscape. As a writer, editor, educator, and activist, she has transformed the way Arizona poetry is shared and celebrated. Her innovative contributions have helped shape Phoenix’s cultural scene, making her an essential voice in AZ poetry.

A Pioneer in Arizona Poetry

Rosemarie Dombrowski has been at the forefront of Arizona’s creative community for years. As the founding editor of Write On, Downtown: A Journal of Phoenix Writing and rinky dink press—a publisher specializing in micropoetry in microzine form—she has provided vital platforms for emerging and established poets. With her visionary approach, she has not only championed new voices in Arizona poetry but also curated a space where experimental and traditional forms of poetry can flourish.

Revolutionary Literary Projects

Ever the innovator, Dombrowski launched The Revolution (Relaunch), a bold and revisionary resurgence of the weekly women’s rights newspaper originally founded by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony in 1868. This project blends historical insight with modern feminist activism, underscoring her commitment to social justice and creative expression. Through her work, Dombrowski challenges the status quo, using the power of poetry and print to advocate for equality and cultural change.

Acclaimed Achievements and Honors

Rosemarie’s contributions to literature have not gone unnoticed. She is the recipient of five Pushcart Prize nominations and was honored with a Whiting Fellowship nomination in 2019. In addition, she has received the 2017 Arts Hero Award, the Carrie McCray Literary Award in Nonfiction, and a fellowship from the Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics—all in 2017. In April 2019, she was named a finalist for the Whitman Bicentennial Poetry Contest, sponsored by Brooklyn Poets. These accolades reflect her far-reaching influence and unwavering dedication to the craft of poetry.

Literary Works That Resonate

Dombrowski’s published works are a testament to her creative range and depth. The Book of Emergencies (Five Oaks Press, 2014) explores the fragility of human existence, while The Philosophy of Unclean Things (Finishing Line Press, 2017) delves into the intersections of personal and collective histories. Her chapbook, The Cleavage Planes of Southwest Minerals [A Love Story], won the 2017 Split Rock Review chapbook competition, further solidifying her reputation as a profound and innovative poet.

Educator and Mentor

In addition to her groundbreaking writing and editorial work, Rosemarie Dombrowski is a respected educator in Arizona’s literary community. She teaches courses on Women’s Literature, Medical Humanities, Creative Ethnography, and Journal Curation/Editing at Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix campus. Her teaching extends beyond the university, as she is actively involved with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Changing Hands Bookstore, where she nurtures aspiring writers and engages a broad audience in the transformative power of poetry.

A Lasting Influence on Arizona Culture

Rosemarie Dombrowski’s work is characterized by its depth, insight, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. As Phoenix’s Poet Laureate, she continues to inspire and influence both emerging and established writers. Through her innovative literary projects, dedicated teaching, and active role in Arizona’s arts community, Dombrowski has made significant contributions to the cultural fabric of the region.

Her legacy in Arizona poetry is not just about the words she writes, but also about the communities she builds and the voices she elevates.

Discover more poets and poetry from Arizona HERE.