‘We need to demystify poetry’ : an Interview with David Musgrave

Abstract

This article explores the views of the contemporary Australian poet and publisher David Musgrave. Based on an interview conducted in Sydney, it examines Musgrave’s thoughts on poetry education and the status of the genre in the present social, cultural, and educational milieu. His experiences as a poet, small press publisher of poetry, and poetry educator serve to illuminate his discussion of the writing, promotion, and teaching of poetry in Australia and beyond. His views resonate with other poets and teachers working in diverse contexts.