Tato Laviera
-
From “lady liberty” by Tato Laviera
but the symbol sufferedone hundred years of decayclimbing up to the spined crown,the fractured torch hand,the ruptured intestines,palms blistered and calloused,feet embroidered in rust,centennial decays,the lady’s eyes,cataract filled, exposedto sun and snow, a salty wind,discolored verses staining her robe. Tato Laviera was a Nuyorican poet whose works explored themes of immigration and transcultural identity. He Continue reading
-
National Poetry Month 2025
I don’t remember my first poetry book. Not even the first poem I read, though I imagine both might have been something written by Shel Silverstein. I have come to believe that Silverstein’s poetry is the gateway drug for most of us. Though despite not remembering where it started, poetry has become a major part Continue reading
Alan Dugan, Alan Pelaez Lopez, Amalia Ortiz, Amanda Gorman, Ana Castillo, Andrea Gibson, Audre Lorde, Beatriz Miralles de Imperial, César Leonardo de León, Claudia Rankine, Edward Vidaurre, Gregory Sherl, Guy Duke, Jack Kerouac, Jacob Saenz, James K. Baxter, Jared Singer, John Murillo, Kate Rushin, Marvin Bell, Michael Jones, National Poetry Month, Ntozake Shange, Paul Guest, Philip Lamantia, Poetry, R.K. Fauth, Rita Dove, Sabrina Benaim, Shel Silverstein, Tato Laviera, Xochiquetzal Candelaria -
Poetry Break
Once again: “Your Life” by Andrea Gibson “I Carry Your Heart with Me” by e.e. cummings “Explaining My Depression to My Mother” by Sabrina Benaim “Ohm” by Saul Williams “Why are Muslims So…” by Sakila & Hawa “14 Lines from Love Letters or Suicide Notes” by Doc Luben “Some Things You Need to Know Before Continue reading
Allen Ginsberg, Amalia Ortiz, Andrea Gibson, Carlos Andres Gomez, Cassette Tape, Denice Frohman, Doc Luben, e. e. cummings, Edward Vidaurre, Edwin Bodney, Elizabeth Acevedo, Grace Carras, Guante, Helly Shah, Hobo Johnson & The LoveMakers, I Recorded This For You, In Albany New York, Jamie Mortara, Leticia, National Poetry Month, Neil Hilborn, Pablo Neruda, Poem, Prince Ea, Priscilla Celina Suárez, Sabrina Benaim, Sakila and Hawa, Saul Williams, Shane Koyczan, Suli Breaks, Tato Laviera, The 126ers, Tim Minchin, Tracy K. Smith, Warsan Shire -
Poetry Break
I had the opportunity to see Tato Laviera give a performance at my college. In all honesty, I can’t remember if I was still a student or recently graduated. This was, as my mother would say, many moons ago. His book, Enclave, still sits on my shelf after all these years. I wish my memory Continue reading
Chapin City Blues 