Black Country

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Suddenly the sky lit up loike bonfire noight, an an angel cum. They day know owt about angels and they was that frittened they all fell on the ground.

The shepherds turned to goo, an little Jesus smiled. The leader said after as it wind, an all babbies did it, but ee wor as sure as ee med out. While all this was a-gooin on, three wise kings was in a country far away lookin at stars. Suddenly, one on em put down is telescope an called: "cum eer yo lot. Oi've fun a star wot wor theer afore, and it ay arf a big un." In this heartfelt poem, Warsan Shire explores the themes of belonging, displacement, violence, and loss. The narrator shares their lived experience as an asylum seeker. Shire details the harsh realities of both what has been left behind but also the uneasiness of the present. Although frightening, the narrator makes it clear that this is still more preferable than her previous home, even if it is filled with discrimination and bigotry. The powerful use of metaphors throughout this poem creates vivid images that allow the reader to feel like they are with the narrator throughout their unsettling journey. Yo'm a silly lot," said the angel. "I shore urt yer. I got a message for yer. There's a baby bin born in Bethlehem. Is name is Jesus an ees God's son. Goo an ave a look at im. Ee's in a stable lyin in a manger." The shepherds cum donw the ill into Bethleheman they kep on about the angels. One said: "Fancy angels cummin to we. We ay nobody. It ay as if we'm important."Favourite quote: ‘ My sort-of land? My passport part of this land, a so-called United Kingdom of lands and my land in this kingdom is England’. The King's name was Erod, an ee was in. "There's three kings to see yo," the soldier told im. "Oh ar?" said Erod. "Weer?" Ee ad a fit when the soldier told im "Outside." So they all come in, an Erod said ow noice to see em an wot cud ee do fer emn. they said they was looking fer a new king, and wondered if ee was theer.

Whether it is a feeling of quiet confidence, a fond memory that provides you with comfort, or a belief that will get you through difficult times; It is important to have these ‘happy places’ and ‘safety nets’. The poem itself becomes what could be considered our own portable paradise, as we ourselves might recite our favourite lines that bring happiness.

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Mary smiled an said: "Oil spin sum wool an knit im a jumper, an is dad'll play the flute ter mek him sleep." In this poem, Bridget Minamore explores her complicated relationship with England. Minamore notices that there are things about the country that seem like home, whilst others only serve to alienate her. This ranges from exploitative consumerism to racist rhetoric that is sometimes disguised as patriotism. The poet does however have a love for her version of England; where she grew up and the people that surround her. At the end of the poem, Minamore realises that although she has a conflicting relationship with England, it is still her home. This is an all too common theme for many of us ethnically diverse Brits who struggle with our own sense of belonging.