One that conjures opposing emotions. For some it provokes feelings of fear and hate, for others the need for compassion, understanding, and empathy. In this celebrated poem, Refugees, Brian Bilston tells both sides of the story by cleverly crafting a verse that can be read backward and forward to convey two opposing views.
Brian Bilston is often described as the "Poet Laureate of Twitter" (now X) and this much admire poem, perfectly accompanied by artwork from illustrator, Jose Sanabria, is a wonderful way to explore this emotive issue as you realize that it's not just the words that have been reversed!
Brian Bilston is a secretive figure. His true identity is hidden in a cloud of pipe smoke from his supposed author photograph. From fragments of information pulled together from various Twitter feeds, we know he likes cycling, Vimto and dislikes Jeremy Clarkson. He is a published writer in anthologies.
Brian Bilston has been described as the Banksy of poetry and Twitter's unofficial Poet Laureate. With over 100,000 followers across all social media platforms, including J. K. Rowling, Roger McGough, Ian Rankin and Grayson Perry, Brian has become truly beloved by the Twitter community. His poetry collection, You Took the Last Bus Home, was published by Unbound. His first novel Diary of a Somebody was shortlisted for the Costa Prize and his collection Alexa, what is there to know about love? is full of poems about love in all its forms.
