Local poet Mohammad Saleem Mirza celebrated the launch of his fourteenth poetry collection on Tuesday, May 13, at a well-attended event held at the Girlington Centre.
Organised in collaboration with the Elderly Association, the event ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and drew members of the community, literary enthusiasts, and supporters of Mr Mirza’s work.
Known for his evocative exploration of themes such as culture, community, loss, resilience, and identity, Mirza’s latest collection continues a literary journey that spans over two decades.
A spokesperson for the event described his poetry as “a reflection of the rich and often challenging experiences of migration, poverty, religion, and politics, underscored by the strength of community spirit.”
Born in Pakistan, Mr Mirza moved to the United Kingdom in 1965. He was later seriously injured in a mill accident while working in Staincliffe, Dewsbury. Despite personal hardship, he went on to raise eight children and now counts 22 grandchildren, all of whom are settled in the UK.
His poetic journey began at the age of 10, following the death of his mother—an event he credits with inspiring his lifelong love of verse. His debut collection was published in 2000.
The Girlington launch highlighted both Mr Mirza’s literary achievements and the enduring power of community storytelling.
