Category Archives: Words

Stories, essays, blogs

Quest #1: Beauty in the Central Valley

Posted on December 26, 2017 by

So first, a collage poem, made from ingredients found in my neighborhood: What is beauty in this Valley? That’s hard. What kind of beauty? It could be any beauty you’d like. The mountains. Say more about why. You have a … Continue reading →

Posted in Multimedia, Words | 1 Comment

A Conversation with Nikiko Masumoto

Posted on November 1, 2017 by

I am happy to announce that I am the inaugural Masumoto Family Fellowship recipient, for 2017-18. To mark the public announcement of the fellowship, I had a great conversation with agrarian artist (and my dear friend) Nikiko Masumoto on Oct. … Continue reading →

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On Eating Soyrizo

Posted on April 3, 2017 by

Oh Trader Joe’s, I owe you my deepest Pocho gratitude for your soy chorizo. “The authenticity comes from the spices,” you say, and I believe you. Who needs meat when fake meat tastes this good? After my Caucasian wife lovingly … Continue reading →

Posted in Poems, Words | 1 Comment

After Reading Winter Stars on the Radio

Posted on March 21, 2017 by

After Reading Winter Stars on the Radio for Michael Luis Medrano The first time I read Elegy by Larry Levis, I didn’t get it. My poet friend who used to be a journalism major gave it to me as a … Continue reading →

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Foreign Words

Posted on February 4, 2017 by

Foreign Words You apologized for the foreign words you wrote but I did not mind. The bare, ugly line about dobra pička cut like no English could. Supernatural, your cross-eyed, snorting laughter left us fortunate.

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On the Eve of Inauguration

Posted on January 19, 2017 by

On the Eve of Inauguration So what are you doing this Friday? asked my Armenian journalist friend who says he’s on sabbatical. I thought for a long moment and went blank, then I said something mundane like, oh I’ll be … Continue reading →

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Poem: Chile with Lime and Salt

Posted on January 15, 2017 by

Chile with Lime and Salt My artist friend walked straight up to the counter lined with aguas frescas, a spot I had never even noticed before, and she ordered an ensalada de fruta with cucumber slices and syrup and tajín … Continue reading →

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