Tag: Queer Voices

atlas st cloud grey walls poem artwork | AZpoetry.com

grey walls by atlas st. cloud

March 4, 2025

“grey walls” by atlas st. cloud

i am laying,
in an empty room.

the temperature is steadily dropping
and frost begins to crystalize on my eyelashes,
playing tricks with my irises.

i am a green eyed boy,
but ice has got me seeing with grey.

grey halls
with grey walls
led me to this hallowed space.

i am laying,
in an empty room.

the ceiling is a motley crew of colors,
galaxies are being spun before me.
two stars collide,
FLASH. BANG. BOOM.
the void opens up.

i stare into the vastness,
and the void whispers back,
“ice cannot kill a phoenix.”

i am laying,
in an empty room.

the stillness of space has no place in this room.
wind begins to howl,
ripping at the walls with nowhere to go.
this wind has teeth and it bites at my skin.

anger manifests monsters,
and this one is trying to
rip, freeze, tear me apart.

i am laying,
in an empty room.

the walls are closing in on me.
i exhale quick and can see my breath in fog.
my skin is beginning to plasticize
and i don’t know if i can move.

there once was a door,
but i can’t move my head to see if it is still there.

i am laying,
in an empty room.

my shoulders start to itch.
warmth floods my systems
and i can feel it in my chest.
my heart begins to beat.

blood flows once more
and something is happening to me.

i am laying,
in an empty room.

my shoulders begin to burn.
a tingle to go along with the itch.
then, suddenly,
i am screaming.

when i wake up,
i am on fire.

i am laying,
in an empty room.

and i sit up.

Originally published in Zilch Qualms, a Phoenix Poetry Slam anthology in 2019.

About the poet atlas st. cloud

atlas st. cloud’s poem grey walls is a haunting meditation on isolation, transformation, and rebirth. The poem places the speaker in an empty room, surrounded by the creeping cold that distorts perception—turning green eyes grey, freezing the breath, and numbing the senses. As the speaker remains motionless, they are enveloped by a void, an expanse of darkness filled with cosmic flashes and whispered reassurances. The line, “ice cannot kill a phoenix”, serves as a powerful moment of foreshadowing, hinting at an inevitable resurgence from the paralysis of despair.

The poem’s structure mirrors a cycle of entrapment and eventual release. The repetition of “I am laying, in an empty room” emphasizes stagnation, reinforcing the feeling of being stuck in an unchanging state. Yet, amid the cold and confinement, fire emerges. The warmth first presents itself as an itch, then an unbearable burn, until finally, the speaker erupts in flames—literally and metaphorically. The transformation is painful but necessary, illustrating a shift from suppression to liberation, from numbness to an awakening.

By the poem’s end, the speaker is no longer trapped in stillness. The final shift—from lying down to sitting up—marks a triumph over stasis, a rebirth from the ashes of struggle. grey walls is a deeply evocative piece that captures the internal battle between despair and resilience, ultimately leaving the reader with the image of survival and renewal.

Discover more about atlas st. cloud and his poetry here on his poet bio page.

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.

Sean Avery Medlin

February 13, 2025

Sean Avery Medlin: Hip-Hop Nerd, Gamer, and Provocative Wordsmith

Sean Avery Medlin (he/they) is an innovative poet, playwright, and cultural advocate based in Arizona. A self-described gamer and hip-hop nerd, Medlin’s work boldly questions the limits of Black masculinity, media misrepresentation, and personal narrative. With a dream to create rap, poetry, prose, and performance full-time, they channel their passions into art that is as provocative as it is deeply personal.

A Unique Voice in Contemporary Culture

Medlin’s creative journey is defined by a distinct perspective that fuses elements of hip-hop culture, gaming, and speculative fiction. Their only wish in this world is to watch an unproblematic Black sci-fi TV show—a desire that humorously encapsulates the challenges and contradictions of contemporary media representation. This blend of cultural critique and self-aware humor fuels their work, inviting audiences to reconsider familiar narratives through a fresh, critical lens.

Literary and Performance Achievements

Sean Avery Medlin’s work spans multiple genres and platforms. As a performance poet and playwright, they have been a vibrant presence on stages across Arizona and beyond. Their thought-provoking pieces have graced prominent platforms and festivals, including the 2020 Tucson Poetry Festival and the 2018-2019 Chicago Hip-Hop Theater Festival. Their dynamic presence in the literary world has also led to features in notable publications such as the Phoenix New Times, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Review of Books, Teen Vogue, Afropunk, and Blavity.

Medlin’s artistic output includes a hip-hop play and album titled “skinnyblk,” available online at superseanavery.com, and their debut collection of essays and poetry, “808s & Otherworlds: Memories, Remixes, & Mythologies,” published by Two Dollar Radio. This collection is available in audio, digital, and print formats throughout the U.S., the U.K., and Canada, solidifying their reputation as a multifaceted and boundary-pushing artist.

Educator and Cultural Leader

In addition to their creative work, Sean Avery Medlin is committed to nurturing the next generation of writers and cultural activists. They teach creative writing on the side, sharing their passion for language and storytelling with students and emerging artists alike. Medlin also guides artistic and cultural work for various organizations across Arizona, helping to shape a more inclusive and dynamic arts community.

Their work in education is not just about imparting technical skills; it’s about inspiring a deeper understanding of identity and empowering others to question dominant narratives. Through their teaching, Medlin encourages students to explore the intersections of race, gender, and media representation, fostering critical thinking and creative expression.

A Vision for the Future

Sean Avery Medlin’s ambitions extend far beyond the classroom and stage. With a clear vision to create and perform full-time, they continue to push the boundaries of what poetry and performance can be. Their work is a call to action—a reminder that art is a powerful tool for challenging societal norms and advocating for change. Medlin’s unique voice, which melds hip-hop, gaming culture, and incisive social commentary, is paving the way for a new era of artistic expression in Arizona and across the globe.

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atlas st. cloud

October 3, 2024

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.