Undocumented Futures 2025: A Virtual Gathering of Poetic Power
Undocumented Futures instagram post @undocupoets
The desire to stay connected through poems and prose travels across the land. Talented writers came together to share their work at Undocumented Futures. On June 2, 2025, a virtual event hosted by Dodge Poetry and Undocupoets continued the national conversation on Poetry & Shelter by the Poetry Coalition, where past and present Undocupoets’ fellows read some of their latest writings.
Each poet brought a distinctive voice and collective memory, beautifully sharing stories inspired by their lived experiences. Although ten poets recited their original pieces, I would like to highlight blu, Wo Chan, Claudia Rojas, and Georgio Russell.
blu has a soft, whimsical style that flows with ease and mysticism. The magical and surrealist themes in her work stem from her Haitian roots. The communal effort of cultural care and expression shows up in her practice—poetry “imprinting her entire essence condensed.” She writes sporadically, whenever inspiration finds her, scribbling on whatever surface (or device) is closest when a thought arises.
Claudia Rojas storytells through imagery and metaphor, using sensory details to build worlds. The audience walks through each piece guided by her recollections and pictorial phrases. It’s evident that her nature walks and moments of people-watching inform her work, allowing real-world observation to spark poetic expression.
Georgio Russell crafts descriptive, earnest alliteration to convey vivid imagery. His rhythm and cadence soothe anxious thoughts, while his precise use of adjectives etches illustrations of fluid consciousness. His poems ripple through memory, narrating the brain’s attempt to hold onto fleeting moments.
Wo Chan shared sonnets that are eccentric and raw. They weave fragmented phrases into full emotional arcs, juxtaposing quirky questions with ephemeral feelings to capture the complexity of relationships. Their punny vulnerability flirts with life’s contradictions, offering personal connections as performance.
Despite the virtual setting, these poets’ works left an imprint on my day and my heart. I love the accessibility of connecting across cultures through digital platforms, and I felt pleasantly fulfilled by the hourlong event. The live interactive element allowed for a more intimate and personal look into each writer’s presence as they reflected on their work. I definitely recommend more events like this to anyone who loves spoken word and literary arts.
