Dirt and Honey

Raquel Vasquez Gilliland Raquel Vasquez Gilliland is a Mexican-American poet and painter inspired by folklore, myth, and plants. Vasquez Gilliland’s work focuses on her Mexican-American heritage and identity, as well as preserving ancient folk tales in verse—tales that are both regional and familial. Dirt and Honey combines these focuses with themes of ecology and feminism. “My maternal elders raised me and my siblings to value stories,” writes Vasquez Gilliland. “Naturally, I’ve always been attracted to what I’ve been taught is sacred—storytelling— and through my work, I wish to pass on this reverence to those willing to learn.”  Her poems have appeared in Dark Mountain, Rattle,and Fairy Tale Review. Dirt and Honey is her debut collection and is the recipient of the Jason Wenger Award for Literary Excellence. Raquel Vasquez Gilliland lives in New Jersey with her husband and son.