[2] He made many guest appearances at public schools so that he could help inspire and influence young people to write their own poetry[2] especially because he felt that children are "natural poets.

[2] Growing up in both the United States and Mexico and experiencing both cultures helped shape the kind of writing he would create.

[7] In 1982, while on a Fulbright Fellowship to Mexico City, Alarcón discovered Aztec incantations translated by a Mexican priest .

[8] He also met his "soul mate," Mexican poet, Elías Nandino, on his trip to Mexico City.

[6] In 1984, Alarcón was considered a suspect in the murder of a young man, Teddy Gomez, who was killed in Golden Gate Park.

[10][13] Legal defense funds were raised, with Margarita Luna Robles organizing and leading the cause.

[9] The number of people who came to Alarcón's aid, visiting him in jail, speaking up on his behalf, praying for him showed how the Chicano community can come together during times of trouble.

[9] He taught at the University of California, Davis,[14] and is the co-author of Mundo 21, a Spanish-language method published by Cengage Learning.

[21] Alarcón wrote poetry in English, Spanish and Nahuatl, often presented to the reader in a bilingual format.

[4] His sparse style has at times caused his poetry to be overlooked by critics who view his simplicity as not worthy of commentary.

"[23] Alarcón attempted to write his poetry in a bilingual fashion, but did not feel all concepts translate properly.

[3] Kirkus Reviews has called his work on the children's book, Animal Poems of the Iguazu, as "eloquently crafted.

[29] His poetry for adults is more nuanced and deals with issues involving same-sex relationships, violence and literary references.

[7] Alarcón is very careful to construct a sense of meaning and feeling in his poetry that expresses his experiences relating to homosexual desire.

"[25] De amor oscuro/Of Dark Love is an especially important collection because it attempts to "end the silence on Chicano male homosexuality.