The lead poem, "Native" of my latest poetry chapbook, Simultaneous States (Bainbridge Island Press, 2025) was nominated for the Pushcart Prize by the wonderful editors of said press.
I'm very excited and honored that they thought the poem was worthy of the recognition!
"Native" is two-part poem that begins in my childhood in Puerto Rico attending a school on a U.S. Army base and ends with my current life in Miami, Florida. It deals with identity issues that many Hispanic persons face when growing up in this country. It was a very timely honor to receive during Hispanic Heritage month!
Back in July, Tamarah Rockwood of Bainbridge Island Press dedicated an entire podcast to "Native" as part of their Poetics Podcast series. Her incredible insight and sensitivity surpassed all my expectations.
