3 Amazing Female Poets of New Mexico

New Mexico is an inspiring place to live, so it is no wonder that some amazing poets have come from our beautiful state. Today, we’re going to introduce you to some of the amazing female poets of New Mexico. We hope you’ll share some of your own favorites in the comments.

1 Poets of New Mexico: Luci Tapahonso

Luci Tapahonso is a Navajo Nation poet laureate and a lecturer in Native American Studies. She was born on a Navajo reservation in Shiprock, New Mexico in 1953 and began her career as a writer when she published ‘The Snake Man’ in 1978. Luci became a published poet in 1981 with the collection, ‘One More Shiprock Night.’ From there, she published many more poetry collections, has been published in multiple magazines and anthologies, and has won seven different poetry awards! Tapahonso creates her poetry in her native Navajo language, and translates it to English. This makes her poetry unusual and unique in its rhythm and beauty.

2 Poets of New Mexico: Valerie Martinez

Valerie Martinez is another New Mexican poet of Navajo descent, though she also has Spanish colony ancestors. She was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she grew up and returned after leaving to get her education and to travel the world. Martinez is a teacher, an artist, and an award winning poet. She has published five books of poetry, including ‘Each and Her,’ her first, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. It was an exploration of the murders of multiple women in the Ciudad Juarez area. The book did win the 2011 Arizona Book Award, and her other books have managed to win awards as well. She also translates poetry from other countries.

3 Poets of New Mexico: Olivia Gatwood

Olivia Gatwood is an up and coming poet from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She focuses on themes of gender equality, preventing sexual abuse, social justice, and empowering others. Gatwood is a part of the slam poetry community, Button Poetry, and many other poetry communities and competitions.

Who is your favorite female poet from New Mexico? Share a sample of their work in the comments!