My poetic practice is rooted in healing, discovery, and resistance. Many of the themes I explore in my poetry relate to trauma, adolescence, family, wellness, identity, spirituality, and nature. Exploring the range of these emotions within these themes is difficult which I why I write slow. I meditate on the words. And when days, weeks, or even months pass by, I revisit the page- green tea in hand seagrass candle lit, and the sunlight pouring in. When I write poetry, I release the resentments, heartache, and loss to welcome forgiveness, love, and restoration. While my poems are not always autobiographical, poetry is an extension of me.
Where did you first find poetry? Where has it taken you?
I discovered poetry at a young age. I remember reading "We Real Cool" by Gwendoyln Brooks and thinking to myself, I wonder if I can do that? Shortly after, my elementary school hosted a talent show. I wrote a poem to honor the passing of my Grandfather's stepfather. Even though I could not comprehend the magnitude of death at the tender age of 9, I was still able to find the words through poetry.
Reading was (and still is) my refuge. It was my escape from a world that did not always embrace my individuality. I lived in a rural-suburban area that was predominately white. My features as a black and Mexican-American woman invited unwanted gazes and stares. My friends were not good for my health. I would be in one day and out the next. I was a topic for debate. My blackness was questioned. As a non-conforming teenager, my femininity was questioned. My Latinx identity was questioned. It was a lonely, isolating, and depressing time for me. But through the words of Maya Angelou, Shel Silverstein, Langston Hughes, audre lorde, Pat Mora, and others- I found understanding. I found acceptance.
My passion for poetry allowed me to attend college as an undergraduate and graduate student. It inspired my lessons as a Teacher. And now? It's given me the opportunity to showcase the voices of poets, writers, and artists from all over the globe as the Editor in Chief of The Hellebore.
Poetry saved me. Poetry fueled me. Poetry is my life.
How do you see the role of poetry in our current political climate?
The role of poetry is transformative. During times of oppression, injustice, and inhumanity- poetry becomes revolutionary. When poets use their art to fuel change, they have the power to ignite a generation to stand up and speak out. Now more than ever is the time to use our skills- be it poetry or community building or rallying, to defend marginalized populations and to call attention to the crisis at the border and gun control.
Look at how mobilizing has fueled #ClosetheCamps, #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, #ProtectTransKids, and other calls to action! There's been strides in these efforts because of demand on local, state, and national levels. Technology has allowed these issues to be amplified and often times you have poets, writers, and students on the frontlines- in their communities. Leading the way. We are not accepting the bigotry, discrimination, negligence, and corruption that characterizes the current government. We will not be silenced.
What inspired you to start The Hellebore? What have you learned?
I started The Hellebore to revitalize the publishing landscape. Literature is dominated by white, male, heterosexual narratives that do not embody the whole of our society. The current publishing model favors the privileged elite who may be able to shell out submission fee after submission fee or who benefit from structures that uphold Europeanized notions of superiority. But so many others who crave access to literature and art, are wrongfully deceived and denied by unethical practices in publishing. That can be discouraging and even defeating to marginalized voices.
I wanted to create a refuge for the literary, academic, and artistic community. I wanted to show up for those who are often without the resources and support to thrive. Since starting The Hellebore, I have learned how to be hopeful, how to lean on others, and how to persist.
It’s been a challenging yet fulfilling time. And I am truly thankful for each and every person who has entrusted me with the honor of publishing their work. I am also thankful for each and every reader and supporter who reminds me of the need for this space.
What do you hope to dream into the future through your work and supporting the work of others?
My dream is unfolding right before my eyes! Can you believe that? It’s wild! I want to continue celebrating, honoring, and empowering underrepresented voices in the arts. It is also my goal to spend some time with my own art. I’m in the process of developing a manuscript that focuses on family, relationships, identity, healing, forgiveness, and spirituality. The challenge is that it demands a lot of emotional labor and at times uncomfortable conversations with the ones I love dearly.
So often we try to avoid the very thing we were always meant to write about- be it ourselves or our pain. Then, we hit a wall. And another wall. How do we break through? How do we tear those walls down? We face them. We do the work. We write. We live. We protect one another. We stand up for each other. We create.
What are you working on now? Do you have any upcoming projects?
Other than my manuscript, I am preparing for the start of a new school year. I am teaching a new class which involves a lot of preparation. It is an exciting but hectic time!
I am also incredibly thrilled for the launch of the HUES Foundation in 2020 and the Hellebore Scholarship which will open later in 2019.
The launch of the HUES Foundation provides educational resources to upcoming writers, poets, musicians, and artists of color. The Hellebore continues to feature dynamic voices in the literary and artistic world by celebrating the tapestry of our narratives and honoring the contributions of underrepresented creatives.
It’s been a helle of a ride. I’ll tell you that! But to see these communities growing and thriving couldn’t be more rewarding.
We are truly in the dawn of a new age of revolutionary publishing. And I- no longer alone, no longer ashamed- am in the best of company.
