Living by Troubled Waters

Living by Troubled Waters is a third poetry collection by Roy McFarlane that explores slavery, colonialism, and the ongoing tragedies inflicted upon Black bodies. It examines how the strong currents of the past and present flow side by side, asking us to consider the Black Mediterranean of today and the Windrush scandal. McFarlane uses archival documents as a space for activism and linguistic intervention, writing back into history and reclaiming voices. His poems draw strength from themes of place and displacement, social justice, Black motherhood, family, art, and the power of poetry as a witness to troubled times.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Nine Arches Press

Living by Troubled Waters, the third poetry collection by Roy McFarlane, is an extraordinary and uncompromising book that delves into the profound and ongoing tragedies inflicted upon Black bodies as a result of slavery, colonialism, and the unresolved legacies that persist. Through his meticulous exploration of the horror of racialized violence, McFarlane uncovers the intricate interplay between the strong currents of the past and the present. His poems prompt us to reflect not only on the Windrush scandal and the aftershocks of trans-Atlantic slavery, but also on the Black Mediterranean of today, where Black individuals continue to face imprisonment, enslavement, and drowning as they seek refuge from persecution and poverty.

Living by Troubled Waters is a groundbreaking work that pushes the boundaries of poetic form and experimentation. Erasure and inclusion (to make known) poems intertwine and resonate with the broader themes of the collection. McFarlane employs archival documents as a platform for activism and linguistic intervention, writing back into history to reclaim voices and reshape narratives. His poems draw strength from a wide range of themes, including place and displacement, social justice, Black motherhood, family, art, and the inherent power of poetry to bear witness to troubled times.

Through his poetic lens, McFarlane offers a poignant and powerful exploration of the human experience, shedding light on the ongoing struggles and injustices faced by Black communities. His work challenges us to confront our historical and present-day biases, to listen to the voices of those who have been silenced, and to work towards a more equitable and compassionate world. Living by Troubled Waters is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire change and transform our understanding of the world.

ISBN-13: 9781913437541