Since 2012, we have awarded the Zócalo Poetry Prize to the U.S. writer whose original poem best evokes a connection to place. This year, more than 700 writers submitted work to Zócalo staff and judges for consideration. We are also pleased to recognize four honorable mention poems, by Brent Ameneyro, Eleanor Stanford, Andrew Calis, and Despy Boutris, which we will publish over the next four Fridays to celebrate U.S. National Poetry Month. The Zócalo Poetry Prize is awarded in conjunction with the Zócalo Book Prize for the best nonfiction book on community and social cohesion. The 2023 literary prizes are generously sponsored by Tim Disney.

Buffington is Navajo, of the Bear Enemies Clan born for White People. She received an MFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her work has appeared in publications including Narrative, Terrain.org, Honey Literary, and the Yellow Medicine Review.

Zócalo is delighted to share Buffington’s winning poem and an interview about her home, her family, and how teaching kindergarten connects to her writing practice. She will receive a $1,000 prize and will be honored alongside author Michelle Wilde Anderson at the Zócalo Book Prize event on June 15, 2023.

From 20 Miles Outside of Gallup, Holbrook, Winslow, Farmington, or Albuquerque

The post Paige Buffington Wins the 2023 Zócalo Poetry Prize appeared first on Zócalo Public Square.