Poetic reflection
'What does poetry mean to you?'
Poetry means many different things for me. I use it to release stress, to immerse myself in the world around me, to have a good laugh, to research...but most importantly, poetry is a form of self expression for me. There are not many other art forms you can use to express so much of yourself on such a small canvas. whether its your phone, a piece of torn paper, the back of your hand, it's so accessible and so easy to create. Poetry is like a language in and of itself, and I am grateful I have learned and created my own flow.
'What is a favourite Australian poet or poem of yours'.
My favourite Australian poet will have to be Omar Sakar, his poetry is so powerful and fresh. I love the way he expresses himself and the way he uses the intersections of his identities to speak to such a wide variety of people. I also loved his new novel (Son of Sin), it definitely reads like a long and giant poem. I also love the incorporation of religion and culture in his pieces, its something that is also important to my own identity.
Presented in partnership with New Zealand National Poetry Day and New Zealand Book Awards.
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NZ NPD