In San Diego, the concept of a ‘government artist’ takes on a unique significance in the realm of poetry.
Outgoing Poet Laureate Jason Magabo Perez and incoming Poet Laureate Paola Capó-García discuss their roles and the lessons they’ve learned during their tenures.
Through vivid poetry, Perez worked to bring the city’s neighborhoods to life over his two-year term, engaging with diverse communities and demonstrating how poetry can resonate with everyone.
As Capó-García prepares to take on her new role, she envisions a fresh perspective, eager to expand poetry’s reach beyond traditional boundaries.
“I think that poetry has a way of winning anyone over if you’re showing them that a poem can look and feel and sound like anything, that there’s humor in poetry, that decoding a poem can feel like a game that you do with friends, and how one line or one word can have infinite meanings,” she suggested.
In a conversation between the two poets, they explore strategies to demystify poetry for students and the public, enhancing connections and uplifting San Diego’s communities through verse.
The dynamic duo highlights the importance of poetry in our society, seeking to dispel misconceptions about the art form.
As they work towards nurturing a love for poetry, they emphasize the significance of accessibility and engagement with diverse voices.
Capó-García, who serves as the Professional Learning Coordinator at High Tech High Graduate School of Education, reflects on the joy that sharing poetry can bring in educational settings.
She notes that by making poetry relatable and fun, students are more likely to embrace its beauty, rather than see it as an intimidating or pretentious endeavor.
David Tomas Martinez, a writer who also joins the conversation, shares his poem from his second collection, “Post Traumatic Hood Disorder,” highlighting the real-life experiences that shape the voices of poets.
Both Capó-García and Perez often draw inspiration from various literary influences, which range from classic poets like Federico García Lorca and Langston Hughes to contemporary voices such as Ross Gay and Tiffany Midge.
Through workshops and community programming, Perez founded San Diego Poetry Futures to promote collaboration and engagement with art.
Their role as poet laureates is founded not only in creativity but also in civic responsibility, as they work to establish meaningful connections between poetry and the wider community.
Capó-García hopes to connect with various schools and organizations to emphasize the importance of poetry in teacher training, demonstrating how it can be an accessible art form.
Recognizing the battles against misconceptions in poetry, Capó-García aims to nurture a community where poetry is viewed as integral to culture rather than an elite niche.
In her role, she desires to highlight the cultural vibrancy of San Diego, taking measures to uplift underfunded organizations and create lasting connections through poetry events.
From the significance of San Diego to their work, both poets acknowledge that poetry has the power to represent and uplift marginalized voices, creating a broader understanding of the community’s narratives.
Perez expresses that being a poet laureate brings responsibility to accurately reflect the experiences of San Diego’s diverse neighborhoods in literature.
Through specific works, he aims to honor the stories of those living in various corners of San Diego, spotlighting their lives and realities.
Throughout their time as poet laureates, both Capó-García and Perez recognize the chance to advocate for their communities and seek to ensure that poetry is viewed as vibrant and relatable.
As they pass the torch, there is a palpable sense of optimism about the future of poetry in San Diego.
Both Capó-García and Perez continue to redefine the role of the poet laureate, affirming the importance of art in community building and personal expression.
The duo embodies the powerful idea that poetry is not just confined to books but resonates in the living, breathing experiences of everyday people, making their work indispensable in the contemporary cultural landscape.
Looking to the future, Capó-García carries the legacy of community engagement and heartfelt literary exploration that Perez established, excited to contribute to the ever-evolving tapestry of San Diego’s poetic landscape.
Together, they incarnate the spirit of government artistry, shaping and nurturing a love for poetry that can inspire generations to come.
Through their impactful work, they challenge the stereotypes and barriers that often surround poetry, ensuring that it can reach everyone, regardless of background or experience.
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