Arthur Kok

Arthur on Campus Poethood

In these times of smooth career talk, overly keen TED talks, and high-ranking top publications, the inner person yearns for some language that just wants to be, and nothing more. A clearing in a forest. A non-effective thought. Maybe even a critical comment. Just juggling words about nothing.

The Campus Poet provides a valuable contribution to campus life. In my view, his or her role is not limited to reciting a poem on this or that occasion. The Campus Poet adds cultural color to the campus. In the past year, I received various requests, ranging from poetically extemporizing at a conference, composing clever rhymes for Univers, telling a story at an economics symposium, a ‘thank-you poem’ for a professor, etc. All different and challenging precisely because they were so diverse. I also consider being Campus Poet a way to make poetry more accessible. It is from this conviction also that, together with a theater director, among others, I made ‘Poetry Lab: The Setting’ for Night University, a theatrical journey taking the audience on a tour of Tilburg poetic talents, from one poet to the next. Together with former Campus Poet Andrew Cartwright, I developed the poem-writing workshop ‘Poetry Beef’ as a kick-off to the election campaign for the new Campus Poet.

The jury especially appreciated the following poem by Arthur (Dutch).

Vakkenvullers

In mijn plaatselijke supermarkt
is tegenwoordig ook een wetenschap
vol met nutjes en snufjes
en hier en daar een smikkelhard methoodje
Gisteren viel er plots zo'n psycholiegertje uit
nou, de hele zaak in rep en roer
dat de filiaalmanager erbij moest komen
Vandaag liggen ze weer rustig
ook de profjes
lichtbeschaamd te theoretiseren
hoe zich ditmaal voor de consument
te etaleren