A NEW poetry trail has been launched exploring the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East during the Second World War.
The National Memorial Arboretum’s poet in residence Arji Manuelpillai has created ten new pieces of work as part of the free Poetic Reflections programme.
Running from today (14th August) to 16th November, visitors will be able to follow a trail and hear the poems as they stand alongside memorials that inspired them.
The event is part of the Alrewas venue’s The Year Was 1945 programme which commemorates 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
Arji said:
“Harrowing stories beyond my previous comprehension, tempered by those of hope, connection and resilience have inspired this series of poems.
“You will encounter poetry of various forms and structure, some written in the first person and others that connect more personally to my own experience as a British Asian.
“Each piece attempts to help you experience something that information, memorials and plaques cannot – a feeling, a wondering, and a different perspective.”
Visitors can collect an audio device handset from the welcome desk, enabling them to scan a pod at the memorials along the trail route to access a recital. Transcripts are also available.
Rachel Smith, head of learning and participation at the National Memorial Arboretum, said:
“These ten new impactful poems are a powerful addition to our year-long The Year Was 1945 programme, encouraging visitors to reflect on the sheer enormity of what people endured in the Far East during the Second World War.
“Through poetic storytelling, we’re able to honour the remarkable acts of sacrifice and service that took place 80 years ago.”