🌵 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
Esso Poetry Open Mic Night
Coffee spot known for its strong espresso drinks and calm atmosphere.
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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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Prompt + Pour
Immediately following a yoga session, Prompt + Pour is a poetry night for writers, readers, and the poetry-curious.…
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Walk-In Wednesday Open Mic
Musicians (acoustic preferred) and poets are welcome. Performers are allowed two songs or two poems not to exceed…
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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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Mustang Poets Writing Workshop
Mustang Poets is a branch of the Arizona State Poetry Society.
Read more →Prompt + Pour
Immediately following a yoga session, Prompt + Pour is a poetry night for writers, readers, and the poetry-curious.…
Read more →Walk-In Wednesday Open Mic
Musicians (acoustic preferred) and poets are welcome. Performers are allowed two songs or two poems not to exceed…
Read more →Margin & Mic
Margin & Mic is a poetry and spoken word open mic held every Wednesday at Downside Up in…
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
“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.
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TC Tolbert
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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.