Episode : 8 The poetry of Afghan refugees

During the last six months we have been working with Afghan refugees relocated in Reading on creative writing for wellbeing. We have been comparing Persian literature and heritage, both contemporary and classical, to our own poetry and literature in England. Taking influences from both countries, we have made a book of 25 poems, working in collaboration with Fiona Talkington and Kate Clanchy. We have been especially struck by how, despite war and conquest the Afghan community have strengthened their resolve through the written word, holding onto and sharing the rich Persian heritage of words, and embracing new styles of writing that cannot be destroyed by tanks or rockets.