Poetry with Saddiq Dzukogi - Event recap

Highline College welcomed Saddiq Dzukogi this Thursday, for Poetry and Samosas. This event was held in honor of National Poetry Month. This function featured a poetry reading, followed by a writing workshop, and a shared meal of vegetarian samosas.

As the start time approached, the room became full of both students and staff, many of whom were excited to try the samosas. 

When the event began, Saddiq Dzukogi was introduced. We learned he was born in Nigeria, and is the author of Bakandamiya: An Elegy, which is sold at the Highline Library. He is also a teacher at the University of Nebraska.

Professor Susan Rich shared that Highline’s connection to Dzukogi began nine years ago when she first read a poem of his and decided to reach out to him when he was “a young man with a dream.” That long-lasting connection has brought him to campus once again as part of Highline’s annual poetry celebration. Now, here he was inspiring another generation of dreamers.

He was soft-spoken and thoughtful; with a quiet presence many imagine a poet would carry. Once he began reading, the room became quiet and engaged. His first poem centered on homesickness, a fitting theme for a poet away from home. One line from his reading that stood out to me was “May home forever be lost to your wayfaring, but not your heart. May you hunger for her, …”

Much of Saddiq Dzukogi’s work contends with grief, reminiscence, and the meaning of home. In another reading, he said “…the home that wanted me as much as I wanted it to want me. It was just not enough.” Many at Highline understand what it means to love a home but have life call from elsewhere. Sometimes we are uprooted and changed whether we are ready or not.

After his reading, Dzukogi reflected on writing itself, expressing “Language is the song of our lives.” He also shared that a critic once asked him why so much of his work returns to grief. His response was simple. “Grief is the only constant in life.” His poetry does not shy away from heartbreak but rather works through it and shares it. Grief is universal, and grief is an expression of how much love a space can hold. It is part of the duality of life.

Arcturus' attendance was to connect with Highline’s poetry community and encourage students to share their work with Arcturus. As Highline's literary journal, Arcturus exists to feature student work and support artistic expression on campus.

The event was a memorable one. The room was full and the vegetarian samosas disappeared quickly, and we are all left contemplating grief, beauty, and what it means to carry home with you. Highline’s library carries his newest book, available for readers who want to spend more time with his work.

Arcturus Will Attend Poetry and Samosas with Saddiq Dzukogi

Arcturus will be attending Poetry and Samosas with Saddiq Dzukogi on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in Mt. Constance, Building 8. Held as part of National Poetry Month, the event will feature a poetry reading and workshop, as well as a light lunch featuring vegetarian Samosas. We are excited to attend a campus event that celebrates poetry, creativity and community.

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