When I was living in Korea, I was inspired by the multi-dimensional traditions surrounding poetry and literature there. Poetry readings were often accompanied by live musical performances. Visual artists would display paintings, photographs, or calligraphy interpretations alongside the poems, fusing textual and visual art. There were also playful poetry writing games and activities that engaged broader audiences.

This was in stark contrast to the often more solitary, cerebral reception of poetry in the US, which can come across as esoteric or inaccessible. I started thinking about how to make poetry more interactive, accessible, and enjoyable for others.

Later, while working for a literature festival, I realized poems themselves create spaces. For four years (until the pandemic), we would choose a poem to anchor the entire festival. Based on the themes in the poem, we would curate programs, speakers, and school activities. The conversations I overheard during the festivals were illuminating. Discussing a poem on the concept of hometown sparked exchanges about people’s personal histories. Another year, highlighting a poem on identity led to passionate discussions about purpose and meaning.

The poems acted as springboards into broader dialogues and shared experiences. Poetry became a co-created space for human connection.

This project was inspired in part by these experiences. Conversations with Alex opened up new possibilities for using technology to make poetry a more visceral, accessible medium.