Over Land, Over Sea: Poems for those seeking refuge (Five Leaves Publication, 2015) This anthology challenges the ‘othering’ and dehumanisation that has been prevalent in how some British politicians and media outlets have been reporting on the refugee crisis in Europe. And it presents this challenge without preaching.

It strips labels like ‘migrant’ and ‘refugee’ to their bones and reminds everyone that people who are seeking refuge are people and not numbers, insects or environmental phenomena.

And it does what people do, it reaches out and reaffirms the humanity of people who are in a difficult situation.

In addition to that, the anthology brings together emerging and established voices from all over the world and presents 101 quality poems that speak to each other and which speak to the issues.

More information on the anthology click here .

See also, this article by publisher and literary activist, Ross Bradshaw on how, through the anthology, poets in the East Midlands and beyond are responding to the refugee crisis in Europe. Also the review and background story from Emma Lee at Platforma Arts and Refuges Network.

Proceeds from the sale of the anthology are going to Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Leicester City of Sanctuary and the Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum who are all supporting people who are looking for refuge.

With thanks to Ambrose Musiyiwa for this news story and photo of poetry readings at Five Leaves bookshop. See also our Sanctuary in Arts Stream webpage