With the appointment of Arthur Sze as the United States Poet Laureate in October 2025, New Mexico proudly celebrates one of its own being elevated to this distinguished honor. A National Book Award–winning poet, Sze is a luminous choice—deeply deserving of the office.
Yet Sze is just one among many remarkable poets who call New Mexico home. Here are five other living poets worth knowing—listed alphabetically. Better yet, find one of their books, attend a local reading, and experience their work firsthand.
Jimmy Santiago Baca — Santa Fe–based poet, author, and screenwriter, Baca has written more than thirty books. Start with A Place to Stand and Martin and Meditations on the South Valley for insight into his life and literary journey.
Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge — Author of thirteen collections, Berssenbrugge lives in northern New Mexico. Her philosophical, brilliant poetry shines in i Treatise on Stars and Hiddenness, the latter illustrated by her husband, artist Richard Tuttle.
Richard Tuttle and Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge. Photo: Dan Stahl/Diaart.org
John Brandi — A longtime New Mexico resident and a legend in the state’s poetry scene, Brandi helped introduce a distinctly Southwestern form of haiku to the region. Notable works include Heartbeat Geography, Seeding the Cosmos, and his poetic essays in The Cowboy from Phantom Banks (with an introduction by John Nichols).
John Brandi. Photo: johnbrandi.org
Lauren Camp — The author of eight poetry collections and a former New Mexico Poet Laureate, Camp’s work often explores connection, memory, and the landscape of the Southwest. As laureate, she brought poetry to remote corners of the state, championing voices in underrepresented areas. Start with Is Is Enough or In Old Sky (part of the Astronomer-in-Residence program).
Luci Tapahonso — Born near Shiprock on the Navajo Reservation, Tapahonso was the first Poet Laureate of the Navajo Nation (2013) and the recipient of numerous honors. Her collections A Radiant Curve and Blue Horses Rush In beautifully convey the rhythms of Diné life and tradition.
Luci Tapahonso. Photo: Lucitapahanso.com
And if cowboy poetry is more your style, look to the late Baxter Black—the internationally known veterinarian, NPR host, author, and New Mexico–raised luminary who passed away in 2022.
For living voices in that tradition, attend the International Western Music Association’s Convention, held November 12–16 in Albuquerque. The annual event features some of the nation’s finest cowboy poets. Learn more at iwesternmusic.org.
Brian C. Nixon, Ph.D., is Chief Academic Officer and professor at Veritas International University in Albuquerque. As a writer, musician, and artist, his interests surround the philosophical transcendentals: truth, beauty, and goodness. You can contact Brian via his Bandcamp email address: https://briancharlesnixon.bandcamp.com
