#WeAreSwitzerland
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This poem by Saru, designed by Nicolas Bernklau and Eliott Grunewald, can be found at Supergrows Cosmetics, 24-25 Queens Market, Green Street, London E13 9BA and at Our Newham Work, 112-118 The Grove, Stratford, London E15 1NS
Like bees in a hive pollunating the cement
with culture and spices –
Celebration and riots yet what prevents
us to spread the stories that is engraved here, the crisis?
From being the voice of youth to change
To two years to the present the bruit that echoed the streets dissolved
as lost was faced by many and many gained untold, these bees evolved
Coming back together to rebuild and refuel anew
By Saru
Supergrows Cosmetics, 24-25 Queens Market, Upton Park, London E13 9BA (picture)
Established in the heart of East London for over 25 years, Supergrows Cosmetics is one of the UK’s leading retailers of Afro-Caribbean cosmetics, hair extensions, wigs, and beauty products. In the same covered market you'll find Supergrows Food, hosting a poem by Gareth Evans. Monday–Friday, 9am to 8pm. Sunday: 9am to 7pm. Learn more: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Our Newham Work, 112-118 The Grove, Stratford, London E15 1NS
Our Newham Work has been designed to help Newham residents into work. Our Newham Work offers a range of advice and guidance including various support services to help Newham residents secure employment. Learn more.
Photography by Calum Douglas
Poet’s insights
Swiss Embassy: Could you please tell us how you wrote your poem? Where did theinspiration come from?
The inspiration for the poem came from my English lessons. I'm quite enthusiastic about analysing poems and interpreting it in different ways, so when I was writing the poem I thought about how I, as a student, will analyse this poem afterwards.
You participated in a poetry writing workshop led by Typoetry’s poetry curator Steven J Fowler facilitated by Newham Youth Empowerment Services. What did you take from it that helped you write this poem?
The workshop was a great help to write the poem. Steven helped me understand what type of poem I want to write and expanded my knowledge in poetry. He helped me understand that I don't need to follow a particular structure (e.g. a sonnet) and just to write my emotions about the topic down on paper.
What do you think of the design and of how it’s shown?
The design is very vibrant and eye-catching - I feel like if I was a passer-by I would definitely stop and read the poem, it is very alluring. The buildings that the poem is placed on are buildings that I usually walk past, so I do like the placement.
Saru is a young poet based in Newham. The creation of this poem followed a workshop led by Steven J Fowler and organized with Newham Youth Empowerment Services and Newham Library Services.
Design by Nicolas Bernklau and Eliott Grunewald, Master Type Design, ECAL/Universityof Art and Design of Lausanne. Nicolas Bernklau is teaching assistant at ECAL. French typographer Eliott Grunewald led the workshop that led to the creation of the artworks. Learn more: ECAL MATD | ECAL MATD Instagram | Nicolas Bernklau Website | Eliott Grunewald Website
Typoetry is a showcase of poetry and Swiss graphic design. Around 30 works by poets from Switzerland, the UK and Newham are forming artistic trails in the London Borough of Newham from 20 May to 17 July 2022. Learn more.
