Archipelagos

The collection "At the End of This Sentence, a Flood Will Rise" explores the history of the West Indian islands and the impact of sugar monoculture on the natural world. The poems connect the debris of empire to the sands of the beaches, highlighting the need for a moral response to the climate crisis that is embedded in the struggle for social justice, overcoming empire and colonialism, and against global capitalism. The poems are witty, angry, and personal, exploring the vexed relationship with a violent father and featuring line after line of shapeliest poetry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 62 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2023
Publisher: Peepal Tree Press Ltd

This collection serves as a powerful call to action, expanding our understanding of the ongoing struggle for human survival in the Anthropocene era. It serves as a poignant reminder that this struggle did not originate solely in the industrial factories of Europe, but also in the holds of slave ships and plantations in the Caribbean. The impact of sugar monoculture on the West Indian islands was profound, leading to the devastating consequences of a flood that would eventually swallow up these low-lying islands.

Historically, the debris of empire that washes up on our shores is interconnected to the sands of our beaches, littered with masks and plastic bottles. These remnants of past conquests and colonization bear witness to the ongoing consequences of imperialism and colonialism.

In Philp's remarkable poems, which seamlessly span different eras, he makes it crystal clear that any moral response to the climate crisis must be firmly rooted in the fight for social justice, the dismantling of empire and colonialism, and the resistance against the power of global capitalism. These poems are a tapestry of wit, anger, and personal intimacy, delving into the complex relationship with a violent father and offering exquisite lines of poetry that resonate with sound, rhythm, and precise word choice.

Through his powerful and elegant words, Philp invites us to recognize the interconnectedness of our struggles and to embrace a holistic approach to addressing the climate crisis. He reminds us that the fight for social justice is not separate from the fight for a sustainable future, and that the legacy of empire and colonialism continues to shape our world today.

In conclusion, this collection serves as a vital reminder of our shared history and the ongoing challenges we face in the Anthropocene era. It urges us to unite in the fight for a just and sustainable world, where the legacy of empire and colonialism is dismantled, and where the rights and well-being of all individuals and communities are prioritized. Let us heed the call to action and work together to build a future that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable for generations to come.

Weight: 84g
Dimension: 135 x 206 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781845235505