Tag: Phoenix

Read Phoenix Poetry written by slam poets, cowboy poets, and literary giants inspired by the state of Arizona!

Myrlin Hepworth poet | AZpoetry.com

Myrlin Hepworth

Myrlin Hepworth: Poet, Educator, and Hip-Hop Artist

Listen to Myrlin on Soundcloud

Myrlin Hepworth is a dynamic force in the world of poetry, blending spoken word, education, and hip-hop into a seamless art form that resonates across generations and cultures. As a poet, teaching artist, and performer, Myrlin has dedicated his career to empowering youth and creating spaces for authentic expression. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, he is a prominent figure in the state’s poetry scene, known for his dedication to building community through the arts and his work as a mentor to aspiring writers and performers.


A Champion for Youth and Education

Myrlin Hepworth has long been a passionate advocate for youth empowerment through creative expression. As a teaching artist, he has worked with thousands of students in Arizona and across the nation, conducting workshops that inspire young people to discover and use their voices. His approach to teaching merges traditional poetry with contemporary elements of hip-hop and spoken word, creating an inclusive and accessible medium for students to tell their stories.

Through his educational work, Myrlin has become a sought-after speaker and facilitator, presenting at schools, colleges, and conferences. His ability to connect with young audiences has made him a key figure in cultivating a new generation of poets and storytellers.


Blending Hip-Hop and Spoken Word

A true multidisciplinary artist, Myrlin’s work combines the energy of hip-hop with the introspection of poetry. His performances are a testament to the power of storytelling, tackling themes such as identity, resilience, and the complexities of the human experience. His music and spoken word pieces reflect a deep commitment to social justice, personal growth, and cultural understanding.

In addition to his live performances, Myrlin has produced music and spoken word recordings that continue to inspire listeners. His ability to weave rhythm and language together has made him a standout voice in the poetry and hip-hop communities.


Contributions to the Arizona Poetry Scene

As a resident of Arizona, Myrlin Hepworth has been instrumental in shaping the local poetry and spoken word landscape. In 2009, Myrlin was on the Phoenix Poetry Slam team that was a tenth of a point shy of making the finals stage. His teammates were Aaron Hopkins-Johnson, The Klute, and Ed Mabrey. His involvement with events, workshops, and community-building initiatives has established him as a leader and mentor in the state’s artistic circles. Myrlin’s work in Arizona not only celebrates the power of poetry but also amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard.


Awards and Recognition

Myrlin’s influence and impact have earned him recognition both locally and nationally. His contributions to education, the arts, and the community have been celebrated in various circles, cementing his status as a trailblazer in modern poetry and hip-hop fusion.


Legacy of Creativity and Advocacy

Myrlin Hepworth’s work is a shining example of how poetry and hip-hop can be tools for change, healing, and connection. Through his performances, teaching, and community involvement, he continues to inspire others to embrace their creativity and share their stories. His contributions to Arizona’s poetry scene and beyond will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Ed Mabrey poet | AZpoetry.com

Ed Mabrey

Ed Mabrey: Poet, Performer, and Slam Champion

Ed Mabrey is a powerhouse in the world of spoken word and slam poetry, earning his place as one of the most decorated poets in slam history. As a three-time Individual World Poetry Slam (IWPS) Champion—making history as the first Black poet to win the title—Ed has redefined what it means to connect with audiences through raw, emotional storytelling and performance. His accolades also include being named the 2012 Poetry Slam Artist of the Year at the National Poetry Awards and serving as a finalist in the National Poetry Slam four times.

Mabrey’s Arizona Connection: A Voice in Phoenix and Tempe

From 2008 to 2010, Ed Mabrey left a significant mark on Arizona’s poetry scene while living in the state. During this time, he hosted spoken word events in Phoenix and Tempe, nurturing the creative energy of local poets and audiences alike. Mabrey frequented poetry slams and open mics hosted by Homebase and Jeremiah Blue. Ed Mabrey was on the Phoenix Poetry Slam team with Aaron Hopkins-Johnson, The Klute, and Myrlin Hepworth in 2009. This team placed higher at the National Poetry Slam event than any team from Arizona. His time in Arizona was part of his larger mission to make poetry and performance accessible and impactful in communities across the country.

Beyond Slam Poetry: A Versatile Talent

Ed Mabrey’s talents extend far beyond the world of slam poetry. He is an Emmy-winning performer and actor, showcasing his skills on platforms like the television series Verses and Flow (Seasons 3 and 5). As a motivational speaker, he has traveled extensively, delivering workshops and keynotes to inspire personal growth and creative expression. His poetry has been featured in nationally recognized anthologies, including Spoken Word Revolution Redux, and he continues to mentor and uplift young artists at colleges and universities nationwide.

Poetry, Comedy, and Social Commentary

What sets Mabrey apart is his ability to blend humor with profound social commentary. His performances often navigate complex themes such as identity, race, and resilience, using both wit and vulnerability to engage his audience. This versatility has cemented him as a beloved figure in not only the poetry community but also in entertainment and education spheres.

Legacy and Influence

Ed Mabrey’s time in Arizona and his larger career have left an indelible impact on the poetry and performance world. Through his achievements and ongoing work, he exemplifies how poetry can serve as a bridge between personal storytelling and collective understanding, inspiring writers and performers to find their own unique voices.

Discover more about Ed Mabrey’s achievements and his contributions to the poetry world by exploring his website.

They Don't Love You Like I Love You poem by Natalie Diaz AZpoetry.com

“They Don’t Love You Like I Love You” by Natalie Diaz

they don’t love you like i love you
my mother said this to me long before
beyonce lifted the lyrics from the yeah yeah yeahs
what my mother meant by don’t stray
was that she knew all about it the way
it feels to need someone to love you
someone not your kind someone white
someone some many who live because so
many of mine have not and further live
on top of those of ours who don’t
i’ll say say say i’ll say say say what
is the united states if not a clot of
clouds if not spilled milk or blood if
not the place we once were in the
millions
america is maps
maps are ghosts
white and layers of people and places i
see through
my mother
like your mother has always known best
knew that i’d been begging for them to
lay my face against their white labs to
be held in something more than the loud
light of their projectors as they
flicker themselves sepia or blue all
over my body
all this time i thought my mother said
wait as in give them a little more time
to know your worth
when really she said wait
meaning heft preparing me for the yoke
of myself the beast of my country’s
burdens which is less worse than my
country’s plow
yes when my mother said they don’t love
you like i love you she meant natalie
that doesn’t mean you aren’t good

Transcribed from the video “Natalie Diaz: They Don’t Love You Like I Love You” by Natalie Diaz and Mellon Foundation.

About the poet Natalie Diaz

With references to songs “Hold Up” by Beyonce and “Maps” by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, this poem takes popular music references and invites us into the privacy of the poet’s family life to share their feelings and path to healing. Learn more about Natalie Diaz HERE.

Maps by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Hold Up by Beyonce

A House Called Tomorrow poem by Alberto Rios | AZpoetry.com

“A House Called Tomorrow” by Alberto Rios

a house called tomorrow you are not 15
or 12 or 17 you are a hundred wild
centuries and 15 bringing with you in
every breath and in every step everyone
who has come before you all the use that
you have been the mothers of your mother
the fathers of your father if someone in
your family tree was trouble a hundred
were not the bad do not win not finally
no matter how loud they are we simply
would not be here if that were so you
are made fundamentally from the good
with this knowledge you never march
alone you are the breaking news of the
century you are the good who has come
forward through it all even if so many
days feel otherwise but think when you
as a child learned to speak it’s not
that you didn’t know words it’s that
from the centuries you knew so many and
it’s hard to choose the words that will
be your own from those centuries we
human beings bring with us the simple
solutions and songs the river bridges
and star charts and song harmonies all
in service to a simple idea that we can
make a house called tomorrow what we
bring finally into the new day every day
is ourselves and that’s all we need to
start that’s everything we require to
keep going look back
only for as long as you must then go
forward into the history you will make
be good then better write books cure
disease make us proud
make yourself proud and those who came
before you when you hear thunder hear it
as their applause

Transcribed from the video “Alberto Ríos: Dear Poet 2019” by Poets.org and Alberto Rios.

About the poet Alberto Rios

Discover the brilliance of Alberto Ríos, Arizona’s inaugural Poet Laureate and a celebrated author whose works capture the beauty of the Southwest and the complexity of human connection. Explore more about his life and poetry on HERE.

Dom Flemons songwriter poet | Azpoetry.com

Dom Flemons

Dom Flemons: From Arizona Slam Poetry to Grammy-Winning Folk Musician

Dom Flemons, widely known as “The American Songster,” is a versatile poet, songwriter, and musician whose work has made a profound impact on Arizona’s creative landscape. Born and raised in Phoenix, Flemons began his artistic journey in the state’s rich artistic and cultural communities. His evolution from a prominent slam poet in Flagstaff to a Grammy-winning roots musician is a testament to his dynamic talent and dedication to storytelling through both words and music.


Early Life in Arizona and Musical Beginnings

Growing up in Phoenix, Flemons was captivated by diverse musical traditions, from folk to blues, which laid the foundation for his future as an acclaimed musician. During this time, he also began exploring poetry and storytelling as a means of creative expression. Early on, Flemons performed in coffee houses and small venues across Arizona, building a reputation for his engaging performances and passion for traditional American music.

Flemons became a prolific figure in Arizona’s creative circles, producing 25 albums featuring local singer-songwriters and poets, including six of his own projects. These early experiences helped shape his artistic vision and introduced him to the vibrant cultural traditions of the Southwest.


Slam Poetry Days in Flagstaff

Flemons attended Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff, where he earned a degree in English. His academic focus encompassed creative writing, Latin, Greco-Roman literature, Shakespeare, and poetry, further enriching his artistic palette. During his time at NAU, Flemons immersed himself in the dynamic slam poetry scene, which was flourishing in Flagstaff.

As a slam poet, Flemons collaborated and competed with some of Arizona’s most notable poets, including Aaron Hopkins-Johnson, The Klute, Logan Phillips, John Kofonow, and Suzy Lafollette. In 2002, Flemons represented Flagstaff at the National Poetry Slam in Minneapolis as part of the city’s slam poetry team, finishing 35th out of 56 teams. His performances were known for their sharp wit, rhythm, and powerful storytelling, reflecting his ability to blend poetic expression with performance art.


Transition to Music and National Success

After making his mark in slam poetry, Flemons returned to his first love: music. His passion for preserving and performing traditional American roots music led him to co-found the Carolina Chocolate Drops, a Grammy-winning group dedicated to reviving African American string band traditions. The band’s groundbreaking album, “Genuine Negro Jig,” won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 2010.

As a solo artist, Flemons has continued to celebrate and innovate within the folk music genre. His critically acclaimed album Black Cowboys (2018) was a Grammy Award nominee for Best Folk Album and earned a Blues Music Award nomination in the Acoustic Album category. The album sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans to the history of the American West, blending music, poetry, and storytelling to create a vivid narrative.


Legacy in Arizona and Beyond

Dom Flemons’ artistic journey from the slam poetry stages of Flagstaff to international acclaim as a Grammy-winning musician highlights his unparalleled versatility and commitment to storytelling. His early years in Arizona’s poetry and performance communities played a pivotal role in shaping his creative voice, and he continues to inspire artists and audiences with his dedication to preserving America’s cultural heritage.

Flemons’ work, whether through poetry or music, reflects his deep appreciation for history, identity, and the power of words to connect people. From his time as a slam poet in Flagstaff to his groundbreaking contributions to American roots music, Dom Flemons remains a treasured figure in Arizona’s artistic legacy.


For more about Dom Flemons and his creative journey, visit his official website at The American Songster.

Discover more poets and writers from Arizona HERE.

Joy Young poet | Azpoetry.com

Joy Young

Joy Young: A Dynamic Storyteller and Performance Poet

Joy Young is a versatile storyteller, performance poet, educator, and curriculum development expert whose work is dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices in the literary and performance arts. With a career spanning national stages, classrooms, and community spaces, Joy uses storytelling as a transformative tool for connection, healing, and justice.

Joy Young’s storytelling has been featured on prominent platforms like Button Poetry, Everyday Feminism, and SlamFind, showcasing their ability to captivate audiences with raw honesty and powerful narratives. They have performed at festivals, colleges, LGBTQIA+ events, and fundraising initiatives across the United States.

Known for their magnetic stage presence, Joy has opened for celebrated artists such as Andrea Gibson, Buddy Wakefield, Sonya Renee Taylor, and Denise Jolly. Formerly the co-host and co-producer of The Storyline Slam, Joy cultivated a space for storytelling at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix, Arizona. Recently, they relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where they continue to engage with the local arts scene.

Educator and Facilitator

As an educator, Joy Young develops and leads poetry and storytelling workshops, storytelling circles, and various trainings designed for individuals interested in writing, performing, and teaching.

Joy’s teaching emphasizes trauma-informed practices and affirmative feedback methodologies, ensuring participants feel safe, supported, and empowered to share their stories. Their work fosters creativity, connection, and self-expression in diverse communities.

Storytelling Coaching and Consultation

In addition to performing and teaching, Joy offers storytelling coaching and consultation for individuals, organizations, and projects. Their expertise has been utilized by:

  • Non-profit organizations for policy, advocacy, and fundraising storytelling
  • Museums curating narratives into educational formats
  • Authors and creatives seeking guidance on crafting impactful stories

Joy also works with groups to shape their narratives into cohesive, compelling collections.

Justice Studies and Storytelling Research

Joy Young holds an MS in Justice Studies from Arizona State University, where their academic work focused on storytelling as a tool for empowerment and advocacy. Their capstone project, “Your Story is More than a Survival Guide,” is an open-source storytelling guide designed for individuals and groups. This guide is available for free on their website and provides actionable strategies for creating impactful stories rooted in personal experience.

National Recognition and Artistic Contributions

Joy’s performances and workshops have been featured at leading arts and storytelling events nationwide. Their dedication to using art as a tool for activism has earned them recognition in the performance poetry and education communities. Whether performing on stage, leading a workshop, or curating stories, Joy’s work highlights the profound power of storytelling in fostering empathy and change.

A Mission to Amplify Marginalized Voices

Joy Young’s work reflects their deep commitment to elevating marginalized voices, promoting equity, and fostering understanding. Through performance, education, and advocacy, they continue to create spaces where diverse stories are valued and heard.

For more information about Joy’s workshops, performances, or storytelling resources, visit their website at joyyoung.org.

Discover more poets and writers from Arizona HERE.

Elected by Alice Cooper AZpoetry.com

“Elected” by Alice Cooper

I’m your top prime cut of meat, I’m your choice
I wanna be elected
I’m your yankee doodle dandy in a gold Rolls Royce
I wanna be elected
Kids want a savior, don’t need a fake
I wanna be elected
We’re gonna rock to the rules that I make
I wanna be elected, elected, elected
I never lied to you, I’ve always been cool
I wanna be elected
I gotta get the vote, and I told you about school
I wanna be elected, elected, elected
Hallelujah, I wanna be elected
Everyone in the United States of America
We’re gonna win this one, take the country by storm
We’re gonna be elected
You and me together, young and strong
We’re gonna be elected, elected, elected
Respected, selected, call collected
I wanna be elected, elected

About the poet Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper is a musician and songwriter known as one of the early innovators of shock rock. Learn more about the author of the poem “Elected” HERE.

‘Alas Poor Yorick’ by The Klute
Alas, Poor Yorick I regard the sad little manAs I stand in …
Chelsea Guevara
Chelsea Guevara: U.S.-Salvadoran Voice, Slam Champ & Storyteller of Memory & Belonging …
Hip Hop Republican by The Klute | AZpoetry.com

“Hip-Hop Republican” by The Klute

This poem was a spoken word poem, often performed in poetry slams locally, and nationally by The Klute, and various other members of the Arizona poetry community, sometimes with the audience clapping in beat, and other times with beatboxing poetry performers such as Aaron Hopkins-Johnson or Ed Mabrey. It was originally written in 2007, and some of the references were periodically updated from performance to performance. This version is from 2012, and has slight variations from the published versions found on The Klute’s audio recording version on “Reading the Obituaries Over My Dead Body” and Brick Cave Media‘s published “Hate You Can Trust“.

Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele
says the the Grand Ol’ Party is in need of a “hip-hop makeover.” I got this.

Yo, I’m a Republican and I come from the street
fresh for twenty ten with an old skool beat
ya’ll used to love us,
but now, not so much
Keith Olbermann thinks the party’s out of touch.
so tonight on countdown, now it’s rhymes that we’re fixin
like the original gangsta, Richard Milhouse Nixon
now we’re making mix tapes
we’re not gonna burn ’em
Watergate taught us lessons
and you suckas gonna learn ’em
gonna pump up the jams, like we did in the 80s
but now we’re not just white, we got some blacks, some ladies
okay not a lot
but at least half a dozen
Alan Keyes, Larry Elder, Strom Thurmond’s lost cousin
straight out the cabin like Abraham Lincoln
but still in the closet in case the Tea Baggers got ya thinkin’
because we’re down with the dirty, but only if it’s straight
that’s why we dropped dimes on California’s prop eight
we’re the party of God
just like the Taliban
over Mullah Omar’s the Reverend Pat Roberson
we got the mormons, catholics, pentacostals too
our Israel support is outreach to the Jews
we support home schoolin’, intelligent design
because dinosaurs and man, were at the same time
we save stem cells, we stop some abortions,
we’re pimpin’ out Jesus in generous proportions
The TV’s turned to Fox News
Rush Limbaugh is pumpin’
check it out o’er here,
Ann Coulter is crumpin
My DJ Adam Smith
call him Ghosthand for short
from the lower middle class
he likes to extort
because it’s class warfare when Mr. Potter gets smoked
when the poor takes the hit,
the markets get stoked
it’s trickle down economics
can’t you understand
the fact that you’re unemployed
has totally been planned.
Wit’ invisible hands,
MC Adam’s laying down the tracks
he’s gonna spin yall out
a motherfuggin flat tax
fifteen percent, fifteen percent, fifteen percent
that’s all you gotta pay
so step off tax man with your 1040A
i got a right to bare arms
and I know how to use it
posse of lobbyists so Im not gonna lose it
I roll with Dick Cheney
so you know Im a killah
cappin old geezers
makin grave land filler
Got glocks, uzis, machine guns too
permit from Sarah Palin to hunt moose at the zoo
like Jennifer Grey in Red Dawn lands,
you’ll only get my gun from my cold dead hands

all the wolverines here say HO
all the wolverines here say HO

Yeah
God, guns and money
you know that they’re with us
so like it says on the coin
who you gonna trust
forget about bush
cuz Reagan is out game
unlike the Gipper
you won’t forget our name

The preceding message was paid for by the Republican Party and is responsible for its content.

and I approve that message because the GOP is hype.
so peace out ya’ll
and to ya’ll a good a’ight!

Did I say peace? I meant WAR.

About the poet The Klute

You can listen to more audio recordings from The Klute from the album “Reading The Obituaries Over My Dead Body“, or read the poem in text form in a collection of poetry called “Hate You Can Trust“. Learn more about The Klute HERE.

Mac and Cheese by Kevin Flanagan | AZpoetry.com

“Fancy Mac and Cheese” by Kevin Flanagan

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.

Valence | AZpoetry.com

Valence

Valence: Arizona-Based Performance Poet and New Media Artist

Tyler “Valence” Sirvinskas, known professionally as Valence, is a performance poet, new media artist, and visionary creative based in Arizona. Blending spoken word poetry, performance art, electronic music, and visual art, Valence has become a unique figure in the contemporary poetry and art scene. His interdisciplinary approach brings together different media to craft performances that captivate and engage audiences on multiple sensory levels.

Early Life and Background

Born and raised in Chicago, Valence grew up as part of the last generation to experience life before the rise of the internet and digital technology. This sense of nostalgia for the pre-digital era informs much of his artistic perspective, and he is known for his strong advocacy of finding moments disconnected from technology. His work often reflects a deep appreciation for real, human connection that transcends the screens of smartphones and the noise of constant connectivity.

Poetry Slam and Performance Career

Valence’s journey into the world of performance poetry began in 2011 when he started competing in poetry slams, quickly making a name for himself within Arizona’s poetry scene. That same year, he represented Flagstaff at the prestigious National Poetry Slam, showcasing his talent and establishing his place among Arizona’s spoken word performers.

In 2012, Valence’s performance career hit another milestone when he won the Sedona Grand Slam, earning him a spot on Sedona’s National Slam Team. His work combines powerful spoken word with an avant-garde performance style, often exploring themes of technology, human connection, and the evolving relationship between people and their environments.

Artistry and New Media Work

Beyond poetry, Valence is an accomplished new media artist, incorporating electronic music, visual art, and performance art into his creative portfolio. His performances are often an amalgamation of these forms, pushing the boundaries of traditional spoken word by layering sound, visuals, and performance to create immersive artistic experiences.

Valence’s work examines the tension between old and new, often delving into themes that question the role of technology in our lives, and the impact it has on our relationships and self-awareness. His artistic vision encourages audiences to reflect on their interactions with technology and to seek moments of clarity and connection beyond the digital sphere.

Recent Work and Future Projects

In 2024, Valence self-published a small collection of poetry titled Save It For The Angels. The collection reflects his deep engagement with themes of spirituality, existential questioning, and the influence of technology on modern life. The work received positive reception in the Arizona poetry community for its innovative blend of traditional poetry with contemporary issues.

Looking ahead, Valence has plans to further expand his creative output by launching a fashion line, which will fuse his visual artistry with wearable designs, and continue to push his interdisciplinary vision forward. His artistic goals aim to connect different mediums, creating a holistic expression of his ideas across multiple forms of media.

Impact and Influence

Valence’s contributions to the Arizona poetry scene have helped bridge the gap between traditional poetry and more experimental forms of performance art. He has become known for his ability to blend poetry with new media, making his performances and written works resonate across different audiences. His advocacy for unplugging from technology and creating authentic, real-world connections stands as a central theme in his work, positioning him as both a poet and a cultural commentator.

Through his continued work in poetry, art, and performance, Valence represents a new generation of artists who are unafraid to explore the complexities of modern life, while still holding onto the importance of analog moments and human connection.

Discover more poets of Arizona HERE.