🌵 Celebrating 30 Years of National Poetry Month
April marks the 30th anniversary of National Poetry Month—a nationwide celebration of poetry’s power to connect, challenge, and inspire.
Since its founding by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month has grown into one of the largest literary celebrations in the world. For three decades, it has amplified the voices of poets, encouraged readers to engage with poetry, and created space for communities to gather around language and storytelling.
At AZPoetry.com, we are proud to be part of that ongoing tradition.
Events
Prompt + Pour
Immediately following a yoga session, Prompt + Pour is a poetry night for writers, readers, and the poetry-curious.…
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Ghost Poetry Show Poetry Slam
Live-music venue with a full bar hosting emerging bands representing a variety of genres.
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Flagslam
The FlagSlam is Flagstaff's biweekly poetry slam at Firecreek Coffee.
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Margin & Mic
Margin & Mic is a poetry and spoken word open mic held every Wednesday at Downside Up in…
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Ghost Poetry Show Writing Night
Ghost Writing Prompt Night is a FREE writing workshop meet up at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix, AZ.
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Inspired Rootz Open Mic
Inspired Rootz Open Mic | April 17, 2026 | Every Third Friday experience an open mic, live music,…
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Prescott Poetry Slam
Prescott Poetry Slam is a three round friendly competition judged by five randomly selected audience members. Poets will…
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Esso Poetry Open Mic Night
Coffee spot known for its strong espresso drinks and calm atmosphere.
Read more →Ghost Poetry Show Poetry Slam
Live-music venue with a full bar hosting emerging bands representing a variety of genres.
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Mustang Poets Writing Workshop
Mustang Poets is a branch of the Arizona State Poetry Society.
Read more →AZpoetry.com is your gateway to the dynamic poetry scene in Arizona. Discover an array of exciting poetry events taking place throughout the state – Arizona poetry open mic nights, poetry slams from Tucson to Bullhead City, AZ poetry workshops, and Grand Canyon State poetry readings! Immerse yourself in the power of spoken word, connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts, and be inspired by the magic that unfolds on stage. Stay up-to-date with our comprehensive event calendar and make sure you never miss a captivating performance.
Poem of the Day
WHAT’S WRONG WITH BEING HUMAN poem by Josh Rathkamp
“WHAT’S WRONG WITH BEING HUMAN” by Josh Rathkamp
I lived two houses down a dead end street.
When the river ran rough
we checked our basements.
We called to each other to help.
We hauled boxes up
from the dark like large fish.
When Mary or Mark or Helen died,
little by little,
we all did. We sent flowers.
The street took to looking
like a Cadillac. It grew bolder.
It grew rosy cheeks.
When Jack repainted, John
repainted, and the painters
ate lunch on the roof.
We said “it looks nice,”
nodding at our mailboxes.
We waved while shoveling snow
off the walkway no one walked
but the dogs and our manic-depressive mailman.
When we wanted an egg or a glass
of milk we drove to the store.
We stared out our windows.
Our children grew without parents.
We grew into speaking without words.
We thought our reflections
in the lamplight were only there
out of loyalty, and, if given
a chance, would run
like Mrs. Eddie’s dead son
naked, through trees.
About the poet Josh Rathkamp
Discover Arizona Poets
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Cymelle Leah Edwards
Arizona-Based Poet and Editor with National Recognition Cymelle Leah Edwards is an Arizona-born poet, editor, and multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges the literary and performance worlds. Originally from Casa Grande, Edwards is a rising voice in contemporary American poetry, with work that resonates across both page and stage. A Pushcart Prize nominee and recipient of
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Logan Phillips
Logan Phillips: Bilingual Poet, Performer, and Borderlands Storyteller Logan Phillips is a bilingual poet, performer, DJ, and educator whose work bridges cultures, languages, and artistic disciplines. Raised in the Arizona/Sonora borderlands, Phillips brings the vibrancy and complexity of this region to his poetry and performances, creating art that resonates on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico
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Dominique Ahkong
About Dominique Ahkong Dominique Ahkong is a poet, writer, and creative dabbler of Hakka-Mauritian descent. Born in the United Kingdom and raised in Singapore, she now lives in North Central Arizona, where she co-edits Shō Poetry Journal. Her work often explores themes of identity, migration, memory, and the subtle complexities of everyday life. Ahkong’s poetry
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Brandon Scheuring
Brandon Scheuring | Arizona Poet, Performer & Professional Dad-Joke Enthusiast Brandon Scheuring is an Arizona poet, spoken word performer, and writer whose work blends pathos and punchlines in equal measure. Based in the Phoenix poetry scene, Brandon explores the human condition by finding connections in places most people would never think to look: Maslow’s Hierarchy
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Dan Seaman
Dan Seaman: The Poet of Prescott Longtime Prescott resident Dan Seaman’s poetry has been described as “romantic realism,” a term that captures his poignant exploration of love, loss, and the human experience. His work is deeply rooted in the everyday struggles and triumphs of the working class, reflecting his profound empathy and understanding of their
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Laura Tohe
Laura Tohe, Arizona Poet Laureate Laura Tohe is an award-winning poet, writer, scholar, and educator who was recently named the Arizona Poet Laureate, becoming the second person in the state’s history to hold the title. Born in Fort Defiance, Arizona, Dr. Tohe grew up bilingual, speaking both Diné bizaad (Navajo) and English—an experience that continues
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Lydia Gates
Lydia Gates — Queer Autistic Performance Poet from Flagstaff, Arizona Lydia Gates is a queer autistic performance poet and crochet artist based in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she lives with her wife, Lucy, and their “three adorable feline monster children.” Known for her dynamic stage presence, emotionally incisive writing, and creative interdisciplinary work, Gates has become
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B-Jam (Ben Gardea)
Arizona Slam Poet, Performer, and Community Builder Ben Gardea, known throughout the Southwest poetry scene as B-Jam, is a nationally recognized slam poet, performer, and workshop leader based in Phoenix, Arizona. A driving force in the Arizona spoken word community, Gardea blends personal vulnerability, rhythmic delivery, and social awareness into performances that resonate across audiences
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TC Tolbert
TC Tolbert – Tucson Poet Laureate (2017 – 2023) TC Tolbert serves as a vibrant and transformative voice in contemporary American poetry. Appointed as the Poet Laureate of Tucson in 2017, Tolbert guided the city’s literary engagement through 2023, shaping a poetic culture rooted in inclusion, empathy, and the desert’s quiet resilience. Tolbert’s years as
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Chelsea Guevara
Chelsea Guevara: U.S.-Salvadoran Voice, Slam Champ & Storyteller of Memory & Belonging From Utah Roots to National Slam Triumph Chelsea Guevara is a U.S.-Salvadoran poet and spoken word artist originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2024, she made history by winning the Womxn of the World International Poetry Slam, becoming the first Salvadoran and
Browse our database of known poets in Arizona, from the past to present day. Discover the lives of poets, the rich history of wordsmiths in the Grand Canyon State, and plunge into their work through recordings, books, and some poetry that the poets have given us permission to publish here.
🖋️ Share Poetry, Connect with Community 📚
We believe in the transformative power of words and the importance of fostering a supportive community of poets. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or exploring poetry for the first time, AZpoetry.com provides a platform for you to showcase your work and connect with fellow poets. Submit your poetry to our collection, engage in constructive discussions, and receive valuable feedback from our vibrant community.
🌵 Join Our Thriving Poetry Community 🌵
Become a part of our thriving poetry community in Arizona. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for poetry, attend events that will leave you spellbound, and uncover the hidden gems within Arizona’s poetry landscape. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty and power of words.
Start your poetic journey today at AZpoetry.com and let your words create a lasting impact on Arizona’s poetic legacy.