I’m thrilled that my poem “Two Gifts” is in the Spring 2019 Ploughshares, edited by the wonderful poet and book critic Rigoberto González. This edition — Vol. 45. — is a literary moment, don’t you think? You can order yours here.

Clearly, I lead a charmed life. I’m headed to read new work in Portland, OR, next week. Swing by the Ace Hotel’s lobby at 7pm, Saturday, March 30th, 2019. I’ll also be knocking around the AWP Conference and sitting on a panel called “Decentralizing Exoticism.” Wish me lots of luck and free range eggs.

I’m very excited to read with my mentor from Rutgers University-Newark, Rachel Hadas. What an honor!

Friday, January 25, 2019 — 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Hudson Valley Writers Center | Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

Reserve your tickets here: https://www.writerscenter.org/calendar/an-evening-with-rachel-hadas-gardner-mcfall-safia-jama/

Metro-North train or set GPS to ‘Philipse Manor Station.’

At our best, poets write with an awareness and a respect for those who came before. On this Día de Los Muertos, November 2nd, I share the link to three recently published poems at Spoken Black Girl Mag. The editors gifted me with this introduction: “Safia’s work speaks to that connection to the otherworldly, the deep recesses of our collective memories and the power of the imaginative spirit to heal.” I invite you to read the full introduction and all three poems when you have a quiet moment to yourself. Take care. 

On November 3, 2018, I will be performing for the QUEENSBOUND project, which will launch with a reading on the 7 line and reception at the Queens Museum.

QUEENSBOUND Reading and Site Launch – 11/3 at 2 pm

The 7 train, first car

“Underpainting” and “Tenth Birthday” have been baking for years. Here they are now, at last ready for your consumption. Thanks, as always, for reading: https://cagibilit.com/safia-jama-two-poems/

Special Day. Digital photo. (c) Safia Jama. 2016.

I invite you to read my poem in the latest issue of Under a Warm Green Linden, an online journal with a long and lovely name that plants trees. My poem is titled “This Old House” and it was partly inspired by a certain 1980s TV show on PBS that was hosted by Bob Vila. Well, at least, that is the conceit. I don’t want to perpetuate gender stereotypes here, but based on my anecdotal experience sharing it on Twitter, I’ve noticed that this poem resonates most with dudes. Whatever your gender, thanks for reading. Click on the little button and you can hear me read the poem rather dramatically as well. -Safia

P.S. Did you know that Linden trees are edible and soothe a sore throat? I just learned that.