Celebrating National Poetry Month: Meet Luz Rossy, Winner of [Your Poem Here] Campaign
Story written by Marivette
Luz Rossy and her abuela visit the billboard in Downtown Miami with her winning Zip Ode / Photo by Chantal Lawrie
“I just want people to see the love I have for my abuela and just honored I am named after her. No matter what happens in the future, I know this is something we will always share together.’”
The celebration of National Poetry Month brought together O, Miami, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating Miami through poetry, and WLRN Public Media, South Florida's NPR and PBS affiliate, to select the winner of the [Your Poem Here] campaign. This annual campaign re-imagines Downtown Miami’s skyline as a canvas for poetry. The project consists of broadcasting a single Zip Ode—a unique poetic form invented by both organizations where one’s zip code dictates the number of words to a poem’s line—on a monumental billboard across from the Miami-Dade Arena. The central theme for the Zip Ode prompt is to inspire lyrical responses from local residents across neighborhoods in Miami Dade County and South Florida to celebrate their place in the world and their unique notion of home.
Luz Rossy, a resident of Little Havana and a graduate of Florida International University, recently emerged as the winner. The talented poet and writer’s Zip Ode poem was displayed on a Downtown Miami billboard in April. Her poem is an ode to her grandmothers, who both share the same name and the importance of family and human connection. O, Miami and WLRN selected the poem for the way it foregrounds lineage, family, and human connection.
My name came
from my abuela
and
she said
we can share it forever.
“The best Zip Odes tell a story about home. We loved Luz's poem because we could see the love she has for her corner of the world and how the importance of family shapes so much of our lives," said Melissa Gomez, Communications Director for O, Miami.
Luz's poem not only won the competition but also captured the hearts of the judges and the wider community. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Luz and learn more about her experiences as a writer. Her unique perspective and talent will undoubtedly inspire and captivate you, and we can't wait to share her story. We delved into Luz's poetic journey and learned more about the inspiration behind her winning poem.
Luz Rossy and her family visit the billboard in Downtown Miami with her winning Zip Ode inspired by her grandmother / Photo by Chantal Lawrie
M: Marivette for The Mujerista
L: Luz Rossy
M: How did you feel when you found out that your poem was selected as the winner of the [Your Poem Here] campaign?
L: I was astounded, in disbelief actually. I asked them to repeat it because I just couldn’t believe it. I’m still in awe.
M: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your poem?
L: I was already in the middle of writing other poems when the sight of my name caught my attention. Immediately my grandmother came to mind, and I decided to write about our bond.
M: What role does poetry play in your life?
L: Poetry is a big part of my life. I am constantly writing and improving my craft. I even created a poetry program at the Westchester Health and Wellness Information Center, where I work, called the Library Poetry Society. In the program, I aim to involve the community more in the poetic art form and help them become more confident in their work while learning about famous poets in history.
M: What does it mean to you to have your poem displayed on a billboard in Downtown Miami for thousands of people to see?
L: It’s like a dream come true! I never would have imagined my poem in a place for so many people to see and appreciate my work. I stare at photos of the billboard, still in awe that it’s there.
M: Can you share any favorite poets or poems that have influenced you?
L: My all-time favorite poet, I’d have to say is Sylvia Plath and her poem Lady Lazarus. The melancholic undertones in her poetry are so moving and, in a way, soothing that I can only hope to have the same impact in my poetry.
M: What advice would you give someone who wants to write poetry but doesn't know where to start?
L: Write, read, and share. Constant and consistent writing to help build your craft. Reading as much poetry as possible to see what calls to you and to see how you can improve. And finally, share, share your work anywhere and everywhere. You never know who may read it and may be moved by your work.
Luz’s Zip Ode on a billboard in Downtown Miami / Photo by Chantal Lawrie
M: Are there any upcoming poetry projects or events you're excited about?
L: Yes, actually, the O, Miami Zip Ode reading on Wednesday, April 26th, at the Vizcaya museum. I’m so excited and honored to be a part of the event. I can’t wait to hear everyone’s poems.
M: What message do you hope people take away from your poem and the [Your Poem Here] campaign?
L: I just want people to see the love I have for my abuela and just honored I am to be named after her. No matter what happens in the future, I know this is something we will always share together. As for the [Your Poem Here] campaign, I think it’s a wonderful project, and I hope even more people join and submit next year. I know I’ll definitely submit again. It’s been so much fun being a part of something so unique.