Raymond Antrobus: ‘The Perseverance’ and ‘To Sweeten Bitter’
Raymond Antrobus’ ‘Jamaican British’ is the poem that introduced me to this incredible poet and resonates with me and my experiences. The poem and its poet speak of and understand the betweenness of being both Jamaican and British – as I am.
Antrobus’ book launch for his first collection, ‘The Perseverance’ published by Penned in the Margins, took place at The Rep Theatre as part of the Birmingham Literature Festival. Clare Edwards took centre stage with Antrobus to sign his poems, often he would ask Clare to stand in front of him as he read. As a poet who is also deaf, his poetry courageously tells of his experiences of hearing, not hearing, and not being heard. ‘Dear Hearing World’ is not only beautifully laced with metaphors but also a powerful wake up call to the hearing world.
Braver still, Antrobus confronts Ted Hughes with a powerful extended metaphor in ‘After Reading ‘Deaf School’ by the Mississippi River’. Antrobus’ discussion with the brilliant Jane Commane about this poem, and revisionist poetry in general, reminded me of the importance of looking back with honesty not nostalgia at other writers and even at history itself.
Raymond Antrobus is a brave, honest, humble and inspiring poet. It was a privilege to be in the audience and to have the opportunity to thank him in person during his book signing.
‘The Perseverance’ is a MUST borrow or buy!