Second Place Rosette: Poems about Britain

Second Place Rosette is a calendar of modern British customs, rituals, and practices, featuring poems on maypole dancing, mehndi painting, and medical prescriptions. The book explores national identity through the experiences of poets from different cultural backgrounds, showcasing a patchwork quilt of British experiences and emotions.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 96 pages
\n Publication date: 08 November 2018
\n Publisher: The Emma Press
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Second Place Rosette is a captivating calendar that delves into the customs, rituals, and practices that shape modern British life. Within its pages, readers are transported to a world of maypole dancing, mehndi painting, and medical prescriptions, all woven together to create a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. The poems encompass a wide range of events, from the weekly observance of the Jewish Sabbath to the joyous occasion of putting away Christmas decorations, each offering a unique perspective on the diverse tapestry of British society.

The subjects of these poems span from the universal to the personal, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the poets themselves. Each family may have its own cherished rituals, and each culture its own revered figures to remember and commemorate. Co-editor Emma Wright, in her introduction, highlights the discomfort she felt as the daughter of a refugee in the current discourse surrounding Britishness. She argues that it is impossible to separate talk of national identity and pride from discussions of exclusion and isolation. In response, Wright and co-editor Richard OBrien have assembled a refreshingly inclusive take on national identity. Poets from various cultural backgrounds share their unique perspectives on what Britain means to them through their daily lived experiences, grassroots concerns, and deep connections to the land.

The nation that emerges from the pages of Second Place Rosette is a vibrant patchwork quilt, showcasing the diverse range of betting tips, TV dinners, nights out on Bold Street, and leisurely strolls in the park. While the years pass, the seasons cycle, and the people who make up the country evolve, these poets reveal the enduring aspects of British culture. There will always be a man running late who, perhaps, should have been allowed to catch the bus, and a warm spot by the fire in a pub during the chilly December months. Mixed feelings, a hallmark of Britishness, permeate the book, reflecting the complex and nuanced nature of the nation's identity.

In conclusion, Second Place Rosette is a remarkable exploration of the customs, rituals, and practices that define modern British life. Through the poetic lens of diverse voices, the book offers a refreshingly inclusive take on national identity, challenging the divisive rhetoric that often accompanies discussions of cultural heritage. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit.

\n Weight: 144g\n
Dimension: 160 x 377 x 13 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781910139554\n \n