As usual, I am inspired & humbled by the beauty of poets coming together to share their work…
Congratulations to everyone who put their time, hearts & money into the National Federation of State Poetry Societies 2025 Conference. The Blackberry Peach (BBP) SLAM competition was a force this year. Absolutely floored by the performances & the ways in which we continue to lift each other up.
In the past few years, post-covid, I’ve noticed this trend of unparalleled support in the greater poetry community. Every regional or national slam I’ve had the privilege to be a part of has shown an increase in cross-pollination when it comes to encouragement. This event in ABQ further proved that pattern for me. I have felt a lot of love in my almost 15 years slamming, but nothing quite like I’ve felt the last few months.
I only wanted to hit BBP this year if I could earn a spot… Ben Gardea hosted another series of qualifier slams, & somehow I got 2nd amongst some of AZ’s finest. I got to deliver a poem that took forever to craft & have never felt so much hype or had a poem as well received by so many people at once as at the AZ qualifier. Definitely a highlight of my slam career so far.
At the conclusion of BBP this year, I have officially come just behind Ashanti Files three times in three months & couldn’t be prouder: of her & myself. So grateful for the infinity mirror of support we seem to make for each other. Couldn’t have asked for a better AZ state champ in 2025. You are fantastic, Ashanti.
So proud of Skye for making it to the top 4 in finals! Immensely happy for his birthday twin & my teammate, Flagstaff Poetry Slam co-organizer & good friend Lydia Gates for making the top 8 in finals! You represented AZ & especially Flagslam so flipping well & my heart is so full from watching you shine this week.
I wouldn’t have done this without encouragement & support from my amazing partner Tempest. They are the optimistic antidote to my pessimistic inclinations. We ended up tying for a spot just outside the grasp of finals stage, & that seems poetic. So grateful for you & your presence in my life.
I adore these moments when we come together & the conversations we hold space for– narratives both spoken & those just understood. Sometimes it’s something as simple as eye contact or a nod. It’s in every handshake & hug. Every kind word that carries us. Honored that we can all grow in this way.
I know I will be reeling for many weeks to come. It feels like I could write a hundred letters & love poems to all of the friends who did something that moved me this past week, & I may still…
I witnessed poems from friends new & old.
I do want to shout out the incredible Kristin Patton, who held it down not only with heartfelt poetry & immaculate vibes but also is the most gracious & generous tour guide I have ever had the privilege of knowing. We got to see Albuquerque as curated by one of its most loving & loyal locals. Her smile & laugh are embedded in the fabric of my mind forever. So glad you got to play in the slam with us all.
Marcial Delgado did a love poem on the porch of El Chante that obliterated me. Never heard such a wonderful blend of two languages so masterfully represent cultural & personal references. That poem & poet are top notch in my book. Stephanie Delgado, I always love seeing you! Can’t wait until next time.
Savannah, you are such a golden light in life. Your poetry & presence are so warm. So grateful when we get to share words & time together. Glad you got to partake in your first official cypher!!!
So glad I had a bout & even more time to hang out with Zachary Kluckman, whom I adore. Your hospitality & loving spirit have always meant so much to me & my appreciation grows exponentially every time we get to share time & space.
Keith Allen & Gigi Bella both made it to finals FROM A LAST CHANCE SLAM SPOT! Everyone at this comp was amazing, but to rise to the top in such company is truly a testament to your strengths as poets & performers. Lots & lots of love for ABQ!
Loved getting to hang with Rick Writes & spend time experiencing Albuquerque together. Until next time, my friend!
Justin Lang, I am yet again amazed by your work! Seeing you has been a highlight of my summers these past two years. Can’t wait until we meet again.
Shout out to Jacob Mayberry for bringing it all back home & not only winning, but becoming the new USA rep for the WPSO! It is always an honor to see you perform & an even greater privilege to pick your brain a bit outside of slam.
Daniel Garwood pulled the 1 in our prelim & took the 1, something you always love to see!
Artist Joe Mac is always an amazing performer to experience.
Michael Hatcher & Jasmine Games at Every Word poetry came through & represented again this year! My money & hopes were honestly on Michael taking home the gold this year. One of my favorite poets & he dropped absolute gems in NM. Love what you do! Mr. Dave Weber, you are another icon that comes to mind when I think of poetry in TX. So glad to have seen you again this year!
Christopher Clauss, Henry Morray, Mr. Aubs, Jeri Jerri Hardesty, Adrien Wright, Teiah Faulk, Alex Schotten , William James, Arrie Lane, Nate Lovell, Dove Dupree, C?UE, Christopher Michael, Sola Kush, Tru Kwene: y’all did some work that will stick with me, always. Will be singing praises of you for years to come.
My brain is back up to maybe 80% functionality after all this, but I want to shout out some poets & folks that you should look into & support out of if you don’t already:
AZ poets & organizers:
ASPS
Body Slam
PHX poetry slam by B Jam
Josh & Cylie at Ghost
Flagslam
Sam Brown
Cierra C
Katie Zale
Evie & Wren
BBP organizers & folks:
Nathan Lachner
Kelsey Bigelow
Caleb Rainey
Noir Jente
Tamell Bailey
Pamela Belitch
Thank you for what you do. Grateful for every opportunity that brings us together. Sending all my love to you, poets & our patrons. Even in the end times, Earth is healing.
The world needs our art now more than ever. Keep it up.
-Joshua Wiss
Joshua Wiss (they/them) has been performing spoken word poetry since 2010. Hailed as a “poet’s poet,” Joshua’s work navigates tremendous gratitude and abyssal grief with imagery-heavy poems that pack a punch. They have represented Arizona at five National Poetry Slams, two Individual World Poetry Slams, two BlackBerry Peach National Poetry Slams & many regional events. Joshua is currently an organizer and co-host of the Flagstaff Poetry Slam (a.k.a. Flagslam) and a board member of the Northern Arizona Book Festival.