Photo courtesy of Aurelia Luciano.
Writers of Tomorrow* is a Slice of Culture series where we strive to highlight our local writers of tomorrow — aspiring novelists, song writers, fanfiction writers, playwrights and more.
In the diverse setting of Hudson County’s creative scene, one of the voices of the county’s poets caught our attention: Aurelia Luciano or—better known in poetic circles as—Golden Light Poetry.
At 32, this Jersey City native has carved out a unique space not only as a talented poet but also as a dynamic event coordinator, and a single mother. Luciano, now residing in Bayonne—after moving from Jersey City two years ago—remains deeply connected to her roots.
As one of four event producers at SMUSH Gallery in the Journal Square/McGinley Square area, she brings her love for art and community together, curating spaces that elevate diverse voices.
Luciano shared her journey, her inspirations and how poetry continues to illuminate her life.
When did you first get into poetry?
I began writing poetry around the age of 10. I didn’t really have any outlets to express myself at home as a child and English was my favorite subject, so I began to write.
As I got older, it just became second nature, journaling and writing poetry to express my feelings were my best forms of transmuting pain, life’s changes, learning more about myself and reflecting upon what was happening around me & inside of me.
Growing up, did you prefer hearing a specific type of poetry, with a specific message?
Growing up, I enjoyed love poems/stories the most.
I was searching for a love that I didn’t receive growing up from either of my parents. Listening to or reading poetry about love comforted me, it was a literary image of what I thought would never happen for me or that I had missed out on.
If someone else was writing about it, then it must be real and tangible, it must exist out there somewhere.
While Luciano’s draw to romantic poetry for comfort is understandable—as holding onto an almost tangible connection to the things we long for is arguably relatable to many—it made me wonder about the evolution of her poetry and writing.
Did your poetry evolve as you grew older, or did you stick with similar messages as in your youth?
As I got older, I definitely grew out of centering romance as a topic of interest within my own writing and what I chose to read as well.
I still write/read about love, just in other aspects! I write about love in motherhood, self-love, familial + platonic love. These are the topics that influence and inspire me daily. It doesn’t remove from the romantic side of me, it just isn’t at the center of attention like it used to be! (I am a sucker for a good romantic story and poem here and there haha!)
As Luciano’s poetry evolved to encompass broader themes, including but not limited to love in its many forms, I became curious about her current work at SMUSH Gallery.
When did you start working in your current position?
I began working at SMUSH in the Fall of 2023.
I read on their website that they had been looking for a gallery assistant/event producer and I was a year into producing my own events, so I knew I had some experience under my belt to contribute. I was very hesitant to apply at first but with the encouragement of some friends, I decided to move forward and go for it!
It is only one of my many part time jobs, but definitely one of my favorites.
SMUSH Gallery is located at 340 Summit Avenue in Jersey City. The gallery hosts a variety of events, exhibitions, workshops and more. According to their vision statement, the gallery “recognizes disparities in America and has dedicated itself to an ongoing process of anti-oppression work and equitable practices.”
Who is your favorite poet and why?
My favorite poet is contemporary poet, Reyna Biddy. Reyna touches on a lot of the themes that I also write about. She is a mother, like me, and its been really wonderful to experience her evolution as a woman through her poetry.
I discovered her book, “A Psalm For Us,” by way of an ex-lover who allowed me to borrow this book from them and I was hooked! Reyna Biddy talks about spirituality, self-awareness, self-love, womanhood, her family, what it’s like to be a Black woman in America. Something I also really love about her is that she took a non-traditional route to become a published author. She knew very early on in her life that college was not for her but she had poetry and she was so passionate about it that her parents supported her along the way.
Our stories are not exactly the same, but she definitely inspires me. I enjoy her spoken word albums as well, a favorite is titled Sunday. Reyna’s cadence is so captivating and powerful, vulnerable too, as in this album she is grieving the passing of a family member named Sunday. I own all of her books and refer to them often on my own path through growth and love.
Luciano’s admiration for Reyna Biddy’s work and her journey shows her connection with poetry as a powerful tool for expressing one’s self and personal growth as individuals. However, even with such inspiration, every writer faces creative challenges.
Do you ever get writer’s block or have a slump? If so, how do you get through it?
When it comes to writer’s block or moments of stillness, as I like to call them, I take it as a sign to take a step away from my work and settle into the present. Through the present moment I am able to create or enjoy life experiences without the pressures of having to write anything. Living in the present can be anything from enjoying random dinners with friends, taking my daughter out to her favorite places, taking leisurely walks in nature with no destination in mind, going to art galleries or reading books, supporting other artistic friends at their events.
At any moment of stillness, these moments can incite inspiration.
Luciano’s approach to writer’s block reveals a close connection to her experiences and surroundings, shown with how, in these moments, she simply takes a step back to absorb the world around.
How does being a poet shape your view of the world and how you view things?
Being a poet, I would say allows me to view the world realistically yet with empathy. It allows me to re-imagine the world through a lens that is based on current events and how things would be if the world was a better place.
I can bring the readers awareness of the duality of darkness and light in all facets of life.
Luciano’s response seemed both natural and thought provoking the image of bringing duality to both the light and dark touches on the vast complexities of life that some people may not have thought of, using her unique lens she shares the observations in her own way.
If you could say one thing to younger poets, just starting out, what would it be?
To younger poets, everyone has their own story to tell and no one can tell your story better than you can. Do not compare your writing to others’ writing, experiment as much as you want to or can! Read just as much as you write, it helps you to learn about the stories that you aren’t able to tell! Gather with other writers and create a community that you can lean on when you need guidance or company!
Luciano’s advice to young poets to stay true to themselves and creating or joining a community, made me wonder what other communities poets might relate to, and which other writing medium best complements poetry.
What other writing medium do you feel is most compatible with poetry? In the sense that they pair well and complement each other?
Hmm…this is a tough one!
I have experienced Novel in Verse through poets like Melissa Lozada-Oliva and it is wonderful BUT I have also experienced poetry albums, spoken word paired with music in the background and they both work very well!
I love to read and listen, however, there are times when you have to really sit and digest what you are listening to when it comes to poetry albums or live spoken word, it is a very popular form of poetry. I enjoy them both equally but if I had to choose one, it would be poetry and music!
Is there anything you would like to say to our readers?
I would like readers to know how important it is to believe in your work and yourself. It is so easy to be swayed into thinking you are not good enough and in turn to search for external validation. As writers it is vital to anchor ourselves in the knowing that no one else can do the work we do, in the way that we do.
I would also like readers to know that I am open to suggestions regarding holding space for the writing community via writing workshops or writer residencies. I would like to curate more spaces to bring writers together in person or even a hybrid. They can find me via my website goldenlightpoetry.com or email me at agoldenlightpoetry@aol.com
