Eduardo C. Corral

The American writer Eduardo C. Corral is a respected contemporary poet who seeks to explore and understand the complex dimensions of his multi-cultural life in a passionate, personal manner. Since being named the recipient of the 2011 Yale Series of Younger Poets Award with his acclaimed debut collection, Slow Lightning, Corral has made a name for himself as an innovative and thought-provoking poet whose work invites readers to consider the complexity of identity, history, and grief.

Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Corral is a proud son of immigrants from Mexico who, according to Corral, "were trying to make something of themselves in the United States." He grew up surrounded by the energy of his Mexican heritage, drawn to both its real and imagined features, and realized early on that he could create art that captured the poetic landscape of his experience. Corral's dedication to his writing has been inspired by this recognition of his potential to make stories out of the truths and visions of his life.

Corral has pursued many avenues in his writing, touching on different cultures and moving between English and Spanish with his words. Of all the themes he has tackled, Corral’s most significant works deals with homosexuality, finding a powerful and personal way to explore his own identity within those works. This exploration is featured prominently in Corral’s recent book, Guillotine, which was published in 2020 and has earned Corral accolades and recognition.

In Guillotine, Corral dives deep into both his family’s history and his own journey as he attempts to understand the complexity of his life and identity. Using the objects and moments of his personal history as anchors in his narrative, Corral documents his own struggle to find acceptance in a way that is gripping and heartfelt. Corral also reflects deeply on his ties to Catholicism, a faith that he often finds himself at odds with. This exploration is an important one in the book, and something that many readers find both relatable and inspiring.

On top of his poetry, Corral is an accomplished instructor, having taught at the University of Arizona, Pomona College, and the University of Southern California. Corral is also a sought-after public speaker, often participating in events and festivals across Europe and the United States. In addition to this, he also serves on the Poetry Board of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Throughout his career, Corral has demonstrated a skill and talent for expanding reader’s understanding of ideas and perspectives through the power of poetry. His work deeply honors the complexity and complexity of identity, culture, and history, and his appearances and involvements are the marks of a truly committed artist.