delve deep: a poem for a contemplative academic

delve deep

 

delve deep into your data

do not rush or strive to explain

words, images, stories, numbers

let the results play with you,

toss you about,

turn you round and

sit you down.

 

And slowly, gently

let them mould you

shape you, change you

make you new.

 

Be still

and know.

Do not be afraid.

If the patterns do not fit

or sit in comfort

with your pre-formed views

Be still and know

and don’t be afraid.

Perhaps it is you

who needs to grow.

 

This past month I have enjoyed having time to spend on some of my research and writing. I wrote this poem as a reminder to myself of the importance of sitting with my data and allowing them to speak.