Books / Poetry
Poet draws parallels between The Troubles and rising divisions in new collection
An Irish poet has drawn parallels between growing up during Northern Ireland’s Troubles and the current racial tensions re-emerging across the UK in his latest poetry collection.
Somebody Out There Hates You is the second collection by Arun Sharma, who spent his childhood in Ireland during the 1980s and 1990s.
The poet believes there are parallels between the Catholic-Protestant divisions of Ireland, collectively known as The Troubles, and the divisive rhetoric he sees occupying the airwaves today.
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The collection was recently launched at The Star pub in Fishponds.
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Through poems inspired by personal memories and historical events, Sharma explores themes of hatred, identity and the lasting impact of conflict.
He still remembers the English National Defence League visiting his city.
Sharma, who has Irish and Indian roots, said the collection was inspired not only by his experiences of The Troubles but also by what he sees happening today, with divisions being fuelled from all sides.
“The poems reflect the hostility involved and the absurd nature of the divisions, not unlike the division we’re seeing around the country today, both in Ireland and England,” he said.
Somebody Out There Hates You is the second collection by Arun Sharm – photo: Arun Sharma
“There are definitely clear parallels with the divisions that are opening today. The same themes of ignorance and fear, stoked by shady characters who rely on a vulnerable audience.”
The opening poem, Till We Have Faces, references “The Disappeared”, people abducted by paramilitary groups whose bodies were never recovered, while Gravelands explores how violence leaves lasting scars on both landscapes and communities.
Another poem, Angela’s Sashes, uses humour to reflect on sectarian traditions, recalling young people mocking an Orange Order sash on the eve of the Twelfth of July celebrations.
Despite the collection’s title, Sharma hopes readers will come away with a sense of optimism.
“The book has an uplifting message that reminds people there are many more people out there who love us than hate us.”
Somebody Out There Hates You was launched at The Star pub in Fishponds – photo: Arun Sharma
Sharma, who has made Bristol his home since 2006, hopes Somebody Out There Hates You will encourage readers to reflect on the dangers of division and the importance of resisting hatred.
He hailed Bristol’s “very rebellious reputation”, saying the city has “a place in the history of revolution and rebellion in Britain”.
The poetry collection was published by the independent publisher based in Bristol Août Fecit.
All photos: Arun Sharma
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