Despite many attempts over many decades, it is difficult to point to a single straightforward definition of poetry; but perhaps the most often cited phrase is that it is the use of language and prosody to stir the imagination and the emotions; to concentrate one’s awareness of experience. Both framings — imagination/emotion, and concentrated awareness — feature in the essays including in this issue. And, given that this issue is both the product of a poetry conference, and focuses entirely on poetry, a number of the contributions are combinations of poetic sequences (in text, images and film) and short contextualising essays. Attention is given to poetry directed at social or political change; poetry emerging on new platforms, in new relationships or for new audiences; and the exploration of various modes of writing.