José Angel Araguz

Aug 2, 2024 | joseangelaraguz.me | José Angel Araguz

I wrote in my journal last night: Made it to August, no thanks to July. It’s been tough. If this is you and your situation as well, please know you’re not alone. This week, I’m sharing some quick news as well as two new additions and an update to the Debate series of erasures I’ve been doing. Enjoy!First up, I’m excited to share a review of my lyric memoir, Ruin & Want (Sundress Publications).

Jul 5, 2024 | joseangelaraguz.me | José Angel Araguz

This week, I’d like to share some news from writers in my communities as well as a few opportunities in the world. Also this week: a new installment in my Debate series of erasures (for more info on the series, check out the original post).

Jun 30, 2024 | joseangelaraguz.me | José Angel Araguz

I looked it up—which is to say I found the transcript and hit CTRL+F—and can verify that the word “border” was used a total of 38 times during the first 2024 Presidential debate. Trump said it the most, of course. Mind, I didn’t go in expecting to have a good time. What surprised me, though, was how I felt every time Trump brought it back to the border: badgered, bullied, berated. All the B words. I also thought of my students and what they must be feeling.

Jun 21, 2024 | joseangelaraguz.me | José Angel Araguz

This week I offer up a new lyrical alignment. This time I’m working with a quote by artist, Richard Serra who died earlier this spring. In what became “What It Comes Down To (below),” I found myself drawn to a counted verse approach, specifically working out couplets consisting of a 3 word line followed by a 4 word line. I like how Serra’s stark words breathe across couplets. Since he’s talking of obsession and repetition, both of them come through even further with the added white space.

Jun 14, 2024 | joseangelaraguz.me | José Angel Araguz

Just a quick post to share some thoughts and pics after last night’s reading. I had a great time sharing the stage with Jason Prokowiew, Maxine West, Leticia Priebe Rocha, and Thuy Phan. Thank you to everyone at Tell-All Boston and Porter Square Bookstore who made last night’s reading possible! Special thanks to everyone who attended in person and virtually! Below as well is the introduction that I wrote for the event.