
A journey through my poetry, where intimacy, resistance, and ancestral roots shape every verse.
Words in Motion: The Poetry and Voice of Miriam Damaris Maldonado
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Enraizada
“Enraizada” is my first poetry collection, written in Spanish, exploring the journey of womanhood through deep intimacy and sensuality. It weaves a polyphony of cultural resistance—challenging classical poetics and the narrow roles imposed on women.
These poems reconnect with my Afro-Caribbean roots and ancestral goddesses to "...release prejudices / untangle fears, privileges," creating a space for all women—both "the silenced" and "those who scream and transform their world." Moving between reality and dreams, my voice seeks a home beyond the colonization of the gaze and its masks.
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Rooted
Rooted is the English version of Enraizada, my debut poetry collection. Translating this work with Walter Krochmal was a joyous collaboration, knowing it would open the door for English-speaking readers to experience the voice of a Puerto Rican poet.
These poems invite readers on a sensory journey, much like the vibrant rhythms of the Caribbean. They explore themes of love, longing, and connection to land and lineage, blending the carnal with the divine.
Through this translation, my voice remains firmly rooted, blossoming for a new audience ready to embrace the essence of the feminine spirit.
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Daytime Animation, I Love You, Ashes
In 2020, I had the honor of speaking at the Universidad Archivo in Bogotá, Colombia, where I shared three of my poems with a live audience. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect through words and rhythm on an international stage.
I now invite you to listen to those readings and experience the emotions and stories as they were intended to be heard.
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El Salvador, la juventud y su poesía
A young student reads one of the poems from my book. It’s an incredible honor to inspire young minds and share the joy of literature. Watching young girls engage with my work fills me with hope and pride.
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Naomi me hace el honor de recitar este poemita. El Salvador
In this heartfelt video, Naomi honors me by reciting one of my poems. This beautiful young girl from El Salvador performs it from memory in front of her class, and her touching delivery filled me with joy. Moments like these remind me of the power of poetry to connect and inspire.
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Lectura en Galería Heights Arts Studio & Gallery
In Honor of Héctor Amaya
In this video, I read several poems in support and tribute to the great Héctor Amaya. I was invited by the talented flamenco dancer and artist Aihnoa to participate in this special event. The poems I share include Textos Desgenerados (A veces los poetas se casan...) and Autorretrato - Ancestros.
Recorded on May 16, 2021.
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Enraizada 2022 Miriam Damaris Mardivino. Poema Ser.
In this video, I read my poem Ser, a reflection on identity, ancestry, and transformation. Through these verses, I explore themes of forgotten roots, generational violence, and the power of reclaiming our stories. I honor the silenced while celebrating those who raise their voices to transform their world.
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Miriam Damaris Maldonado (Escritora y Poeta.) Desde la feria del libro de Chicago 2024.
At the 2024 Chicago Book Fair, I had the pleasure of being interviewed and sharing my thoughts on literature, poetry, and the connections forged through storytelling. During the interview, I read one of my poems, Autorretrato - Ancestros, reflecting on identity, heritage, and personal discovery.
It was an honor to participate in this event and share my voice with a new audience. I invite you to watch the interview and experience the reading.
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Oda a la niña que nunca fui
My poetry is featured by Sant Rabia Poetry, marking an important step in my journey as a writer and advocate for cultural expression. Alongside other works, including Textos Degenerados and Enraizada (Valparaíso Editorial, 2022), these poems explore themes of heritage, identity, and personal transformation.
Here you’ll find a selection of poems such as Autorretrato-Cara (Ancestras), Insomnio, and Oda a la niña que nunca fui. I invite you to immerse yourself in the emotions, stories, and rhythms within these verses.
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Matria
My poem Matria was featured online through the creative writing platform of the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. This piece reflects themes of motherhood, ancestry, and the intertwining of life and land, drawing from my heritage and personal experiences as a Puerto Rican writer.
You can explore Matria and discover the narrative threads I weave about family, loss, and rebirth, all nestled within the framework of my island.
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Cenizas
My poem Cenizas appears on page 11 of Voz de Voces, a magazine dedicated to social justice and women's empowerment. This work reflects themes of loss, reclamation, and identity, inspired by both personal experiences and cultural narratives.
I invite you to explore Cenizas and the rest of this edition, which highlights essential conversations around justice, financial independence, and the fight against economic abuse in relationships.
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Tres cosas incómodas
My piece Tres cosas incómodas was published in La Corcheta. This poem blends humor, frustration, and introspection, exploring the creative process, the tension between art and daily life, and the metaphors that inhabit us. It reflects the delicate balance between inspiration and interruption—and the unexpected ways poetry can manifest in our lives.
I invite you to read Tres cosas incómodas and experience the metaphors as they unfold, weaving through discomfort, intimacy, and the blurred lines between life and art.
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People's Poetry Festival 2022
At the 2022 People’s Poetry Festival, I had the privilege of participating in the Poetry in Spanish panel, where I read and shared my work with an engaged audience. It was a joy to perform pieces that reflect on identity, heritage, and personal experiences, including excerpts from my poetry collection Enraizada.
This event brought together poets and listeners, creating a space for meaningful connection through the power of words. I invite you to watch the reading and experience the emotion and rhythm of my poetry firsthand.
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Collaboration Reherseal
In this video, we rehearse for a special show that blends poetry and music. I perform Ancestras alongside the song Mujer de Mi Tierra, accompanied by the incredibly talented Lourde Jeminez on guitar and Albert Cruz on violin. Collaborating with Lourde is always a remarkable experience, thanks to her immense talent and long professional career.
This fusion of words and melody creates a unique atmosphere, bringing poetry to life through music. I invite you to watch and experience the magic of this rehearsal.