Oswaldo Vargas, Mariam Ahmed, and Joseph Milro

On the 8/20/23 edition of Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour:

Poet Oswaldo Vargas talks to Dr. Andy about the Sacramento poetry scene, looming climate anxiety, and his evolving relationship with nature. He reads two poems dealing with the latter subjects. Poet and academic coach Mariam Ahmed tells us about the poetry-provoking beaches of San Diego, the process of getting her MFA, and what’s next in her academic and creative trajectory. She reads a moving poem about a lost loved one. Local musician and artist Joseph Milro joins last to discuss arts opportunities in the city of Davis and his upcoming projects, including the Third Space Art Pantry and this Sunday’s open mic at Delta of Venus.

Oswaldo Vargas is a former farmworker, a 2021 recipient of the Undocupoets Fellowship, a Pushcart Prize nominee, and a prior feature in the Poem-A-Day series by the Academy of American Poets. He has been anthologized in Nepantla: An Anthology Dedicated to Queer Poets of Color and Puro Chicanx Writers of the 21st Century, among others. His work can also be seen in places like Narrative Magazine and The West Trade Review. He lives and dreams in Sacramento, CA. Oswaldo will read at John C. Fremont Park in Midtown on Friday, September 8th.

Mariam Ahmed is a Californian poet. Her work has appeared in Flint Hills Review, Folly Journal, Maintenant: A Journal of Contemporary Dada Art & Poetry, The Offending Adam, Wingless Dreamer, and other journals and magazines. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a minor in Sociology from U.C. Davis and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Poetry, from San Diego State University. Mariam lives in San Diego, CA, where she visits the ocean often to write poems in the sand.

Joseph Milro is a local musician, artist, and Yolo County SPCA Thrift Store enthusiast. He’ll be hosting an open mic this Sunday, September 3rd, from 6-9 P.M., at Delta of Venus, 122 B Street, Davis. All are welcome and all forms of creativity are encouraged!

Nancy Gonzalez St. Clair and Linda Jackson Collins will read at the Poetry Night Reading Series on Thursday, September 7th, 2023.

Find out more about Dr. Andy's Poetry Night Reading Series in Davis, California by visiting http://www.poetryindavis.com. Invite your friends to sign up for the mailing list. To learn more about Dr. Andy’s tiny media fiefdom, subscribe to his weekly newsletter at https://andyjones.substack.com.