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Arizona Inaugural Poet Laureate Talks About Importance Of Words In Contentious Times

Alberto Rios
(Photo via Twitter)
Alberto Rios

Alberto Rios was Arizona’s inaugural Poet Laureate and is the author of 10 books, including three short story collections. He’s also host of Arizona PBS’ "Books & Co."

He’s even popular in the realm of rock and roll, thanks to U2 using his poem "The Border: A Double Sonnet" during the band’s current Joshua Tree Tour.

And as of this month, Rios is the new director of ASU’s Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing.

We spoke with Rios about the importance of words and writing, especially in contentious times.

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Steve Goldstein was a host at KJZZ from 1997 to 2022.