Black Country

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Mary looked at the presents an said: "Thank yo, they'm smashin, but Oi'll keep em till ee's bigger, if yo doh moind." The kings took off their crowns and bowed. Wot’s he gooin on abaat?!’ … A sunset seen from Bilston. Photograph: Michael Strachan/Getty Images/EyeEm

If you would like to comment on these poems, or if you would like to see one of your own here at Yampy In this poem, Amina Jama explores the migrant experience in Britain, through the lens of a woman. The woman referred to in the poem, much like many immigrants in Britain, is othered. Her feelings are all deemed to be strange and unfamiliar. But as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that many of the migrant woman’s experiences of loss, betrayal and poverty are human experiences.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. If a reputation can be earned through the writing of half a dozen poems of real worth then Liz Berry has probably already written them, earning her place in the landscape of early 21st century British poetry. Her debut collection (containing 14 poems from the earlier chapbook The Patron Saint of Schoolgirls (tall-lighthouse, 2010) has charm, accessibility and a humour that belies the serious ways in which she exerts pressure to counter the hegemonies of language, gender, locality, even of perception. Berry is a teacher by profession and will, no doubt, have equivocal feelings about her work appearing in classrooms – but it will rapidly and rightfully find a place there. They said "Righto," an off they went. When they'd gone, Erod said to isself: "Theer's ony room fer one king ere, an Oi'm it. When Oi know weer the new un is, Oi'll have im killed." 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.

An uplifting poem which highlights the importance of self-belief in our daily lives. Robinson’s poem is an ode to his grandma’s advice, which almost becomes a mantra for him. The poem makes subtle references to how the outside world can affect our own perception of life and self. The ‘ portable paradise’ is never specified but can be interpreted differently by each individual. 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. Favourite quote: ‘ find a lamp and empty your paradise onto a desk: your white sands, green hills and fresh fish’.Another agreed an said: "It wor arf a good tune what hey sung, but I cor remember the words, con you?"

They went into the ouse an Elizabeth med a cup of tay. Er told Mary that er old man, Zacharias, day believe er when er told him about th3e babby, an ee were speechless. "Ee cor spake a werd now," er said. The star stopped over the ouse where Jesus was, an the kings day worry cos it wor a Palace. They went in an knelt down by Jesus an gid him their gold, frankincense and myrhh.

In the noight, Mary woke Joseph up an said: "The babby's ere." So Jesus was born, an they wrapped im up tight an put im in the manger what the osses et out on. Mary an Joseph wor arf proud. the innkeeper cum with is missus an brought Mary sum ot milk. In Subsidence, Rob Francis has explored how the area’s past has shaped not only what we see today but also its working class communities. A route to the four corners of the world … Pumping station on the Birmingham to Wolverhampton Canal. Photograph: Alamy Although amusing, the poem does contain an important message regarding the integrity of our society. Towards the end of the poem, Zephaniah reminds the reader to ‘Give Justice and Equality to All’, no matter what.

I have to admit, I don’t look thrilled here, but after receiving this trophy I was so full of adrenaline I don’t think I could have smiled! When eed gone, Mary sat fer a bit an thought about it, then er med up er mind to goo and see Elizabeth. So er ad a swill an went off ter Juda. Favourite quote: ‘You call it unprofessional because of course professionalism is straight and white’. 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’.Rob, who is a lecturer in creative and professional writing at the University of Wolverhampton began penning the poems before the 2016 Brexit referendum. About the Author: Pete Bouncer, or "Bounce", says he is "just on the wrong side of fifty". A metal polisher by trade and born & bred in Walsall town centre, he started writing around 30 years ago for his own pleasure. "I never really thought anyone else would be interested" he tells us. He's dead wrong on that score! 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.