Sylvia Elia Vargas Unveils Debut Poetry Collection ‘Echoes of the Muse’

by Henry
Echoes of the Muse

Poet Sylvia Elia Vargas recently introduced her debut poetry collection, Echoes of the Muse, during an event at the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center. The event was hosted by the Office of Global Initiatives and the Binational Center at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).

Maria Eugenia Calderon-Porter, Assistant Vice President of the Office of Global Initiatives, expressed pride in presenting Vargas, calling her a cherished member of the faculty. “Professor Vargas is very beloved in our department, and we are proud to host the presentation of her first book of poetry, Echoes of the Muse,” Calderon-Porter said.

At the event, Vargas discussed her creative process, the authors who influenced her, and the poems she holds dearest. She explained that her journey toward writing a book began early in life.

“When I was 13, I entered a UIL contest at my middle school with a poem about the Mexican flag,” Vargas recalled. “I used the Alejandrino verse style and competed against young writers from across the city. I made it to the state level.”

However, Vargas shared that the judges at the time didn’t believe a young girl could produce such complex poetry. As a result, she didn’t receive the award. This experience discouraged her, and she stopped writing for many years.

“When I began writing again, I decided it was time to set a goal—to publish a poetry collection,” Vargas said. “I love poetry because I love music. My poems have beats and rhythms, much like music.”

Vargas, who has spent over 30 years teaching English, ESL, and Spanish in both high schools and higher education, explained that her life on the border influenced her decision to write in English, Spanish, and Spanglish. “Growing up in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, where Spanglish is common, I wanted to showcase my bilingual identity,” she said.

She described poetry as a daily hobby that helps her remain firm and reflective. “Poetry is something I do because my heart speaks to my mind, urging me to express my emotions and thoughts,” she said.

Vargas’ work is influenced by several poets, including Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Dr. Norma Elia Cantú, and current poet laureate Raquel Valle Sentíes. “I connect with Sor Juana because of my religious faith and my belief in social equality,” Vargas explained. “I also identify with Raquel Valle Sentíes, whose strong personality and truth-telling resonate with me.”

Vargas also reflected on her experience with Chicano literature, noting that while she initially didn’t understand it, reading Cantú’s work helped her appreciate the challenges faced by Mexican Americans. “I realized it was a true reflection of the social context at the time,” she said.

Though Vargas finds all of her poems special, she emphasized that those addressing spirituality are particularly meaningful to her. “I’ve come close to death several times, and when I write about those experiences, I often reflect on the blessings of being under God’s protection,” she said.

At the event, Vargas read excerpts from her poems, participated in a Q&A session, and signed books. She also shared her plans to continue writing poetry and expand into the short story genre. Her literary work has already appeared in anthologies that have earned awards and recognition.

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