Paula Ruiz Santamaría

About Paula

Paula Ruiz Santamaría, originally from the Basque Country, Spain, is an Assistant Professor of Languages and Cultures at Millikin University.

Her research focuses on poetry and prose written by Latin American and Basque women. Paula's work has appeared in American literary magazines such as Furman 217, Baquiana and ArLiJo, and Spanish newspapers like 20 Minutos. She has four poetry collections: Croquetas de nada (2017), Mientras tanto (2021), Silent Mermaids (2024) and Larvas de Luz (2025).

Then I Wonder

I was someone

before

the apocalyptic thought.

I was in the world

I remember

touching people

with my words

I used to laugh

so LOUD
they said a river
I was

Queens

of the patio:

Esclavas del sagrado corazón de Jesús

When I used to pray

for painting a vagina

and stealing a lip balm

the times I feared Consuelo.

I can feel
the joy
entering our pores,

making us
high
and invincible

Life
flooding
our organs
with sacred lyrics

and new lights

Singing, loving, growing wild

unapologetic

way before

the apocalyptic thought.

Contact Me

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

pruizsantamaria@millikin.edu