Joseph R. Rodríguez commanded the spotlight at this year’s “Writers who Edit, Editors who Write” event, held at the Storrs Downtown Barnes and Noble store on Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. Presented by the Department of English, Rodríguez’s remarkable presence in the literary world was unveiled to the audience. As an author, educator and editor, Rodríguez has honed his craft with precision, earning acclaim from critics and peers alike. His collection of poems, “This Is Our Summons Now: Poems,” garnered attention and acclaim, being nominated and shortlisted for the prestigious John A. Robert Johnson Award for First Book of Poetry.
As the event began, the audience delved into Rodríguez’s memorable debut collection. Described by the Poetry Foundation and Naomi Shihab Nye as “essential, elegant, earthen, transcendent,” the collection captivates hearts and minds alike. Rodríguez holds a diverse background intricately woven into his craft. He was born in Houston, Texas, in 1974, a year which he references throughout the event with a playful nod to his age. His roots extend beyond borders, drawing inspiration from Mexico, an influence that illuminates many of his poems.
Rodríguez’s poem “Think of the Eclipse” was introduced with an anecdote about Carlos Fuentes, a renowned Mexican novelist and essayist. Rodríguez highlighted Fuentes’ references to the Chac Mool in his works. The Chac Mool is a reclining figure from ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, typically holding a vessel on its stomach. It symbolizes the connection between the earthly and divine realms, often associated with water, fertility and sacrifice. Fuentes’ inclusion of the Chac Mool inspired Rodríguez to incorporate this mythical figure into his own craft.
In Rodríguez’s narrative, the Chac Mool becomes more than just a mythological figure — it embodies the essence of storytelling itself. By weaving together a tale of the Chac Mool’s encounter with the moon and the sun, Rodríguez taps into the enduring power of storytelling to preserve cultural heritage. Rodríguez invites readers to connect with the universal human experience of passing down wisdom and tradition through generations. In doing so, he emphasizes the timeless value of stories in shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it.
Following the flow of cultural differences, “Frozen” is a poem inspired by Rodríguez’s visit to a Target store in his hometown. He emphasized the contrasts between his own culture and that of the average American citizen, offering insight into how Target’s transition from all-caps to lowercase lettering came about because shoppers felt they were being yelled at. His use of the English language intertwines with Spanish, adding to the richness of multicultural interaction. Phrases like “frozen Hispanic,” where American stores stock frozen Hispanic food items, despite the humorous disconnect, reflect the complexities of cultural integration and the sometimes comical misunderstandings that arise. Rodríguez playfully questions, “Would a Disney movie be stored in one of these coolers?” And muses over the juxtaposition of “Amy’s cheese and enchiladas olé,” eliciting both laughter and reflection on the idiosyncrasies of cultural coexistence.
As an educator with a heart for his students, Rodríguez mentors over 186 senior students at a community college. Despite the praise he receives, he shares a poignant moment of empathy with a student, acknowledging the challenges they face. He recounted a scenario when he told his students, “You are on your way to great things,” but they responded with “a frown” and questioned if he was “confused.” This touching exchange underscores Rodríguez’s deep connection to his students and his commitment to their success. Despite his deep appreciation for the community college and its resources, Rodríguez emphasizes the transformative impact of experiences like those offered at UConn. Having earned his Ph.D. at UConn and being involved with the Long River Review, a literary magazine, Rodríguez credits his time at the University as “life-changing,” citing the enriching community, dedicated professors and even the simple joys like walks in the snow.
Closing the event with a Q&A session, Rodríguez seamlessly intertwines his roles as an editor, writer and educator, sharing insights into the interconnectedness of these roles. He offers valuable insights into networking as a writer, detailing how he stays in touch with many of his former teachers. He also emphasizes the importance of taking risks, recounting how reaching out to a popular author via email led to a fruitful literary mentorship. Reflecting on his journey, Rodríguez expresses his deep appreciation for literary greats, recalling the surreal moment of seeing his book displayed next to Sylvia Plath’s at a Barnes & Noble store.
Attendees of Joseph R. Rodríguez’s literary showcase at Barnes & Noble were treated to an unforgettable evening of poetry and prose. Rodríguez’s journey, from the playful exploration of cultural nuances to heartfelt connections with his students, reminds us of the joy and complexity of the literary world. As the event drew to a close, attendees left with a renewed appreciation for storytelling, inspired by Rodríguez’s wisdom and wit.