devorah major was born and raised in California, granddaughter of immigrants, documented and undocumented, and served as San Francisco's Third Poet Laureate (2002?2006). Her poetry has carried her to many countries, where she has performed with and without musicians. Her previous books include with open arms, Califia's Daughter, and where river meets ocean. Winner of the Regina Coppola International Literary Award Italy, 2022, major is a member of Daughters of Yam, a poetry and jazz performance duo. She has performed as poet and actress with First Voice productions of Song of the City in 2022 and Soul of the City in 2023 and 2024, and currently lives in Oakland, CA.