School of Instructions

School of Instructions is a poem that explores the experiences of West Indian volunteer soldiers in British regiments during the First World War, combining psychic and physical terrors with the struggle against colonial power. It overlaps with the narratives of a young schoolboy living in rural Jamaica in the 1990s, creating a contrapuntal versets that reshape grand gestures of heroism into a music of supple, vigilant intensity. The poem confronts the legacy of imperial silencing and etches shards of remembrances into a form of survival.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Faber & Faber

School of Instructions is a captivating poem that delves into the profound experiences of West Indian volunteer soldiers who served in British regiments during the First World War. Through its sensuous and biblical language, the poem captures the psychic and physical terrors these Black soldiers faced in the Middle East war theatre, as they bravely fought against the colonial power they served. The narratives of the soldiers intertwine with the story of Godspeed, a young schoolboy living in rural Jamaica during the 1990s. This visionary collision, written in a unique form called contrapuntal versets, creates a sense of unsettling time and event. It transforms grand gestures of heroism into a music of supple, vigilant intensity, resonating with the reader on a profound emotional level.

The poem is characterized by a combination of elegiac and odic tones, evoking a sense of nostalgia and loss while also celebrating the resilience and determination of the human spirit. It spans across epochs, from the First World War to the present day, reflecting on the enduring legacy of imperial silencing and the struggle for survival. Through its lyrical and evocative language, School of Instructions etches shards of remembrances into a form of survival, offering a testament to the power of memory and the enduring spirit of resistance.

In conclusion, School of Instructions is a masterpiece of poetry that offers a unique and powerful perspective on the experiences of West Indian volunteer soldiers during the First World War. Through its sensuous and biblical language, the poem captures the psychic and physical terrors of these soldiers, intertwining their narratives with the story of a young schoolboy living in rural Jamaica. It reshapes grand gestures of heroism into a music of supple, vigilant intensity, confronting the legacy of imperial silencing and etching shards of remembrances into a form of survival. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human heart in the face of adversity.

Weight: 140g
Dimension: 197 x 131 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571383511
Edition number: Main