Just One Thing with Arah Ko

Arah Ko’s poem “Sorry I Didn’t Call You Back” pulls us into a compelling catalogue that both gives and resists answers. Here she shares just one thing about the piece:

“I love poems that ask readers to play an active role - Imani Cezanne's ‘Fill in the Blanks’ and Layli Long Soldier’s ‘Obligations 2’ are at the top of my list! Not only do we “complete” work like this by reading it - for me, in a different configuration every time - but we are also responsible as a community for the conditions that create the work. ‘Sorry I Didn’t Call You Back’ is the last poem in my forthcoming chapbook, and that is the note I wanted it to end on: that each reader brings their own meaning to the poem with them.”