Artwork of a place values locales, knowing “who you are by knowing where you are” as the poet Wendell Berry once wrote.
Our mission is to engage readers, writers, and poetry enthusiasts in a deeper understanding of the connections between people, the environment, and the cultural landscapes of New Mexico. Through this newsletter, we aim to share the works of renowned and emerging poets, offer insights into the themes and issues that shape place-based poetry, offer writing exercises, and foster a vibrant community of literary and environmental enthusiasts.
Place-based poetry and art has the ability to create timeless moments, express individual experiences in a universal way, and to craft a sense of communal identity. In an age where environmental concerns are increasingly urgent, place-based poetry plays a crucial role in fostering a deeper connection to the land and raising awareness about the ecological issues that affect our communities. By capturing the essence of a specific locale, these poems remind us of the intricate relationships between people, nature, history, and culture. They invite us to reflect on our shared responsibility to protect the environment and the delicate balance of ecosystems around us.
This is Poetic Routes, a newsletter about poetry of place—and associated with the map at poeticroutes.com.