Flor Y Canto: The Flower and the Song

I’ve had ambivalent thoughts on any “heritage” month, mostly because I feel we should appreciate everyone’s heritage at every opportunity. On the other hand, by designating a ‘month’ there is a concentrated focus on a culture which does raise awareness of other heritages.

The photo above symbolizes the Aztec ( in the Nahuatl language) word for  “Poetry” in xochitl in cuicatl  which is a dual term meaning the flower (flor) and the song (canto). I read this book of 100 poems in college. That was my first introduction to poetry which resonated with my dual culture and language as a second generation American of Mexican descent.

So it is in the spirit of awareness, and increasing one’s knowledge of and appreciation for the written word, that I reblog this from Andrea Beltran, poet:

Today’s the last day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, but why let it stop there?

Lots of goodness over at The Poetry Foundation. There’s a sampler of Latin@ writers as well as links to articles, audio/video, and events in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Read the August 2013 issue of The Acentos Review

Follow a new blog: Letras Latinas. They never let me down.

A poetry pairing at The New York Times features Alberto Rios’ poem “A Small Story about the Sky”

Ruben Quesada is giving away a digital copy of his poetry collection Next Extinct Mammal on Twitter. Send him a message at @rubenquesada on Twitter.

A poem by Eduardo C. Corral: “Cayucos“

Daniel Olivas (@olivasdan) shared this link to a recommended reading list by age group: Florida Department of Education’s Hispanic Heritage Month reading list

Julia Alvarez talks about writing, reading, and the power of women

The Rane Arroyo Chapbook Prize deadline has been extended through October 31st. Read more about Rane Arroyo

In memory of José Montoya, a video of his reading “El Louie“

An appreciation for Oscar Hijuelos at The Los Angeles Times

I hope you enjoy these poems today and anytime of the year.