Beatriz Fernandez never considered herself skilled at writing haikus. But when she saw a call for Zip Ode submissions from O, Miami and WLRN, she decided to take on the challenge.
“I thought this was a type of haiku I could handle,” Fernandez said. “Maybe a few more words. Not counting syllables, but counting words.”
At the time, Fernandez was a reference librarian at Florida International University (FIU) and had just started submitting her work for publication. She was looking for creative ways to spark inspiration—contests and challenges seemed like the perfect opportunity. That’s when she discovered Zip Odes.
“I loved the idea,” she said. “Poets from different zip codes writing about their neighborhoods, sharing what it’s like to live there. The humor, the ups and downs of South Florida life—it all comes through in the poetry.”
The First Zip Ode
Fernandez followed the Zip Ode format: a five-line poem where each line contains words corresponding to the numbers in the poet’s zip code. Her zip code was 33185.
Her poem read:
To my west,
nature’s palatial prairies
Everglades.
To my east, fruity palace of men’s palates:
El Palacio de los Jugos.
At the time, Fernandez had no idea that this poem would become the first Zip Ode ever submitted. It wasn’t until a decade later that she learned her words had marked the beginning of a Miami poetry tradition.
A Growing Collection of Zip Odes
Over the years, Fernandez continued to write and submit Zip Odes. Some reflected personal experiences, like one about the plumeria tree in her backyard. Others captured significant events, including a Zip Ode about the bridge collapse in front of FIU’s main campus.
Her writing also explored South Florida’s history and natural disasters. Having grown up in Puerto Rico, Fernandez wrote a Zip Ode about Hurricane Andrew, which struck just a year after she moved to Florida with her husband, James Webb. Coincidentally, Webb, an astronomer and FIU professor, shares his name with the famous space telescope.
The Changing Landscape of West Kendall
Looking back at her first Zip Ode, Fernandez reflected on how her neighborhood has evolved.
“When we first moved here, it felt like we were at the edge of the world,” she said. “Beyond us was just a dirt road and empty fields. Now, we’re in the middle of everything. Development has exploded, traffic has increased, and life has become more hectic.”
Some of her later Zip Odes captured these changes, including one about noisy neighbors—a sign of the area’s growing population.
Finding Inspiration in Miami
Fernandez has never lost her enthusiasm for writing Zip Odes. Every year, when the project resurfaces, she enjoys reading other submissions.
“I love seeing what people write,” she said. “Their words surprise me and inspire me to contribute.”
She draws inspiration from her surroundings, particularly South Florida’s beauty.
“While others are buried in snow, we’re enjoying this weather,” she said. “It’s a reminder of how special this place is.”
As a poet, she also seeks to highlight underrepresented voices. Her writing often focuses on women—both real and fictional—whose stories are rarely told. Lately, she has explored speculative poetry, drawing from her love of science fiction.
Why Miami Is a Poet’s Playground
Fernandez believes South Florida provides rich material for poetry.
“The challenges of living here, the mix of cultures, the different languages you hear—it’s all inspiring,” she said.
At FIU, she hears multiple languages spoken daily. The diversity of experiences, from people fleeing hardship to those facing struggles in Miami, adds depth to her writing.
“There’s a contrast between Miami’s natural beauty and the urban sprawl,” she said. “That tension influences everything.”
The Impact of O, Miami
O, Miami’s poetry initiatives have played a crucial role in Fernandez’s journey.
“They always come up with creative challenges,” she said. “They make poets feel valued and give us a sense of community.”
As she’s gotten older, she has grown even more appreciative of Miami’s uniqueness.
“It reminds me of Puerto Rico,” she said. “We once moved away from Florida and regretted it. If I leave Miami, I know I’ll miss it. There’s nothing quite like it.”
For Fernandez, the Zip Ode project represents more than just poetry—it’s a way to connect with others.
“There are people like me, writing at different stages in life, without formal writing groups or literary circles,” she said. “O, Miami gives us a place to share our creativity and be heard.”
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