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 the Diana Gabaldon Creative Writing Award, Cymelle Leah Edwards is gaining national recognition while remaining deeply connected to the Arizona poetry community. Her work explores embodiment, identity, memory, and healing, positioning her among the most compelling emerging poets of the Southwest.
Academic Excellence and Literary Leadership
Cymelle Leah Edwards earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Northern Arizona University, where she refined her poetic voice and expanded her role in literary publishing.
During her time at NAU, she served as Poetry Editor for Thin Air Magazine, contributing to the development of one of the region’s longstanding literary publications. She later continued her editorial work with Kelp Journal, where she supported and elevated emerging and established writers across genres.
Her editorial leadership reflects a broader commitment not just to writing poetry, but to shaping the literary landscape.
Community Organizer and Advocate for the Arts
Beyond her writing, Cymelle Leah Edwards is an active force in the literary community. She served as a board member for the Northern Arizona Book Festival, helping organize one of Arizona’s most important literary events.
Her work as an organizer highlights her dedication to:
- Supporting independent and small press literature
- Creating inclusive literary spaces
- Amplifying underrepresented voices
Through both leadership and participation, Edwards has played a meaningful role in strengthening Arizona’s literary ecosystem.
Publishing Credits and Performance Poetry
Cymelle Leah Edwards’ poetry has appeared in respected literary journals including:
- Elm Leaves Journal
- Contra Viento
- Ghost City Press
- Brittle Paper
- Boshemia
Her work spans both print and digital platforms, contributing to contemporary conversations in poetry around identity, embodiment, and emotional truth.
In addition to her published work, Edwards is an accomplished performance poet. She has competed in and won the Phoenix Poetry Slam at Megaphone PHX, a well-known venue for spoken word and experimental performance poetry in downtown Phoenix.
Arizona Roots and Creative Influence
Before pursuing her MFA, Cymelle Leah Edwards attended Grand Canyon University. Her creative development is deeply tied to Arizona’s landscapes and literary communities—from the Sonoran Desert to the mountain environment of Flagstaff.
As an Arizona poet, her work reflects the textures of the Southwest, blending personal narrative with environmental and cultural awareness.
Expanding Work and National Presence
Cymelle Leah Edwards now lives in Indianapolis, where she continues her creative and academic work, including research in Black performance theory.
She is also an organizer of Decks & Drafts, a recurring poetry event that blends creative writing with Magic: The Gathering as a source of inspiration for poetic prompts. This innovative approach reflects her ongoing commitment to expanding how poetry is created, shared, and experienced.
A Voice to Watch in Contemporary Poetry
Cymelle Leah Edwards represents the future of contemporary poetry—an Arizona poet whose work is both grounded in place and expansive in scope. Through her writing, editing, performance, and community leadership, she continues to shape conversations in modern poetry.
With a growing national presence and a strong foundation in Arizona’s literary scene, Cymelle Leah Edwards is a poet to watch.