Word Up welcomes Francis Mateo for a reading of Embers of Exile: A Poetic Exodus, a powerful new collection of poetry exploring memory, migration, identity, and the textures of contemporary urban life — out July 15, 2026.

This event is a $5 suggested donation ticket with a maximum of 100 attendees. Please register in advance.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Welcome to the labyrinth of Embers of Exile. Much like Philoctetes, marooned on an island foot up, crying foul play, and wrestling with isolation, the poems delve into the pervasive solitude and uncertainty entrenched in transnationalism and urban life. In the wounded hero Philoctetes, one can discern echoes of the disenfranchised, the forgotten, the solitude of the masses, and the marginalized denizens of the city. These verses aspire to encapsulate these spirits. Against the backdrop of a city that serves as both a labyrinth and canvas are the wounded hero and the collective heartbeat of the city.

ABOUT AUTHOR
Born in the Dominican Republic, Francis Mateo is a writer and multidisciplinary artist whose work moves fluidly between poetry, short fiction, vignettes, and photography books written in both English and Spanish. His published works include Ubre Urbe, El Alto, TropicalYork, and Sacarle Pétalos al Pavimento, books that have garnered international recognition for their lyrical exploration of memory, migration, and urban life. Holding a BA in English literature and an MFA in acting, Francis extends his artistic practice beyond the written page, remaining actively engaged in theater and captivating audiences through performance. His work also finds its way into classrooms, where it invites readers to reflect on language, identity, and the textures of contemporary experience.