Poem Orientation: Landscape
Place-based poetry, which sometimes masquerades as eco-poetry or regional poetry, serves as a bridge between the reader, the natural world, and the unique cultural landscape of a specific region. At Poetic Routes, we’re interested in reading poetry about place, but also why poets are drawn to write about the diverse environments within New Mexico, from its deserts to its cities, and the range of themes and atmospheres they explore. By capturing the essence of a specific locale, these poems remind us of the intricate relationships between people, nature, history, and culture.
In our new interview series, we'll explore the works of poets from diverse backgrounds and regions, particularly New Mexico and the Southwest. Through their evocative verse, these poets challenge us to contemplate our role in the natural and built worlds, the significance of our actions, and the enduring power of poetry as a catalyst for change.
We will also continue to share creative writing prompts to stir the imagination and get you writing about place. In our love of poetic mapping, we believe that poetry provides an avenue for writers to overlay their personal reflections, emotions, and epiphanies onto the physical landscape of New Mexico. Each street, building, and landmark becomes not just a geographical location but also a container for human experience and emotional resonance.
Join us as we journey through the landscapes of place-based poetry and discover the beauty, wisdom, and urgency that lies within these verses. We hope that this exploration will inspire you to engage more deeply with your environments, foster greater appreciation for the natural and built world, and ignite a passion for poetry that transcends boundaries.
Happenings
Project Interchange: Friday, June 16th, from 9-11 pm
Albuquerque poets will be at the Harwood Art Center, and Santa Fe poets will be at the Fairgrounds as part of the Currents New Media Festival. Project Interchange is a live dialogue between poets in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, contemplating connection, community, and the differences and similarities between our two cities. The conversation will be projected live on large-scale, outdoor walls simultaneously in both cities.
ABQ Chatter: Sunday June 18 at 10:30 am at 912 3rd St NW
Chatter brings music and poetry together each Sunday and brings youth to the stage and to the audience. This week Amaris Ketcham will be reading from Glitches in the FBI and A Poetic Inventory of the Sandia Mountains.