Tag: Phoenix

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

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.

Posted in Poets  • 
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.

Posted in Poets  • 
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.

Gunslingers by Skyelyn Riggs-Davis
“Gunslingers” by Skyelyn Riggs-Davis taking your place across from me. Oureyes meet, …
Skyelyn Riggs-Davis
Arizona Spoken Word Poet, Slam Artist & Performer Skyelyn Riggs-Davis is an …
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.

Atlas st. Cloud | azpoetry. Com

atlas st. cloud

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.

Writing and Publications

atlas st. cloud is the author of two powerful poetry collections, the Punchline Remains The Same and Sediment.

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.

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Thomas Cooper has performed poetry around the Valley of the Sun since …
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Robert 'FlipSide' Daniels: A Multifaceted Artistic Journey Meet Robert Daniels, a multifaceted …
Posted in Poets  • 
Shawnte orion azpoetry. Com

Shawnte Orion

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.

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Posted in Poets  • 
Sarge lintecum azpoetry. Com

Sarge Lintecum

Introducing Sarge Lintecum: a remarkable individual whose journey from the battlefields of Vietnam to the stages of blues clubs and concert venues is nothing short of extraordinary. Sarge, a highly decorated combat veteran with three tours in Vietnam, discovered solace in writing about the unspoken traumas of war after two decades of living in near-seclusion. His writings evolved into soulful blues songs, accompanied by his mastery of the harmonica and the twelve-bar blues.

Vietnam blues-combat tested blues for peace
Buy Vietnam Blues by Sarge Lintecum on Amazon

Sarge embarked on a musical odyssey, gracing open mic blues clubs with his poignant performances, unaware that this was the inception of a career that would span over three decades. Sponsored by Lee Oskar Harmonicas, he became a nationally acclaimed blues singer, songwriter, poet, and harmonica virtuoso.

Throughout his extensive career, Sarge has captivated audiences across the nation, performing at diverse venues, including schools, colleges, and universities. His Vietnam Blues Show, featuring music from his acclaimed recordings, is a powerful testament to his unique blend of musical prowess, storytelling, and heartfelt poetry. Sarge Lintecum continues to be a living testament to the healing power of music and the arts in overcoming the scars of war.

Discover and learn more about poets and poetry from Arizona HERE.

Posted in Poets  •