🌵 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 meraki kava bar tuesday poetry open mic
Tue Apr 14, 2026 • 8 PM
PhoenixOpen Mic

Prompt + Pour

Immediately following a yoga session, Prompt + Pour is a poetry night for writers, readers, and the poetry-curious.…

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Prescott poetry slam
Sat Apr 18, 2026 • 7 PM
PrescottPoetry Slam

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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Prompt + pour meraki kava bar tuesday poetry open mic
Tue Apr 21, 2026 • 8 PM
PhoenixOpen Mic

Prompt + Pour

Immediately following a yoga session, Prompt + Pour is a poetry night for writers, readers, and the poetry-curious.…

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


“Letter To Summer” by Valence

I send letters and Bottles across bodies
of water or folded up and flown over the
Peaks addressed to the summer summer is
a star-eyed space cadet called me
Stardust in the making I wrote back
don’t forget your belly laugh is my
childhood toy chest you taught me how to
speak up gutsy back when I was gunshy31
and a winter as beautiful as Robert
Frost epat since then some car accidents
thick black stitches and outpatient
surgery I now realize we are Playing for
Keeps and I am Sleepless but I still
want hot coffee and good times for
dreamers the heart is fragile shelter
but I want it fresh final steady before
we said I miss you wish you smiled more
you sturdy banister heart monitor
sidekick they won’t play you my glues
forever I won’t always be there to rim
shot your punchline I know because the
stars are in season and they only smell
sweeter the older we get don’t they
there was a time when I wi outed
stargazed with so many questions all
piano glissando and shimmering Christmas
light spinning under willow trees
chasing the fireflies even now with my
ghosts the nightmares of sweet nothing I
once met a woman with her mother’s last
heartbeat tattooed on her wrist and I
realized love could be life’s tender
mercy and keep us strong keep us head
above water keep us heart pumping that
raw ink calligraphy and painting our
dreams on the Twilight streets of
anywhere life sometimes strikes me as
rusher let the way you die younger bear
witness to death with the grace of a
passer by and Perfect Stranger summer
skull curse frights me every sunset
summer don’t remember me Shipwrecked
Only Sunrise Breakfast light is the
pendant that hangs from your necklace
your beauty begets a crowd like an ink
be Stadium still letting off heat and I
know I’ve been the Distortion making
something heavy out of your sweetest
Melody for some time now but no regrets
we are not just our smoke flying Skyward
like a soul from the exit wound born up
by seraphs we are not just our heavy
hearts and solemn goodbyes we are heart
Menders open eyes bright as the moon let
your gaze hold me like high tide sing me
the Blues

Video transcription of “Letter To Summer” by Valence and Ghost Poetry Show.

About the poet Valence

Valence is a slam poet and artist in the Phoenix area of Arizona. Learn more about his work HERE.

Discover the vibrant world of Arizona Poetry, where words come alive and emotions take flight. Whether you’re an avid poetry enthusiast, a budding poet, or simply curious about the art form, you’ve come to the right place. AZpoetry.com is your premier online directory for all things poetry in the beautiful state of Arizona.

Our mission is to provide a vehicle for preserving the poetry created by Arizona writers and making this history accessible to as many people as possible.


Discover Arizona Poets

  • Cymelle leah edwards

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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)

    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

    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

    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

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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.