Sketching Possibilities: Poetry and Politically-engaged Academic Practice

Abstract

In this article I draw together and reflect upon my own experiences of writing poetry as a part of a politically-engaged academic life. My aim is to trace the political possibilities I have found in poetic practices, with the hope that describing and reflecting on my own experiences may illuminate pathways for others to integrate poetry into their academic practice. As I will detail, I have published research poetry and have been a leader of workshops that encourage academics to incorporate poetic and other forms evocative writing into their researcher toolkits. Often participants in these workshops have remarked how unusual it seems to think of poetry as a resource for academic work. I hope that this article might demonstrate some previously unimagined possibilities for new poetic enquirers, and provide stimulus for further thought for experienced practitioners to connect poetry and academic practice.