Let me tell you a bit about myself. My name is Saira, and I’ve been writing poetry for the past 11 years – I started back in May 2012. I love writing from the heart and sharing my life experiences and lessons with others to help them heal. Specifically, I write about themes like marriage, divorce, healing, self-love, and love.
I’m proud to say that my debut poetry book, ‘The Death of a Beautiful Dream – A Poetry Collection,’ became a top 20 Amazon bestseller when I self-published it. But I’m not stopping there – I’m currently working on my second collection.
Over the years, I’ve been published in various anthologies, including the Poetry Rivals Collection 2012: The Probing Pen, Cherished Moments – A Collection of Poetry: 2013, A Mother to me: 2013, Whispers in the breeze: A Poetry of Poetry: 2013, The Ink Flows on: National Poetry Competition: Poetry Rivals Collection 2013: 2013 Edition, and Between the lines: 2013 Edition: National Poetry Competition: Poetry Rivals Collection 2013. Most recently, I was published in Mind: A Poetry Anthology exploring Mental Health (2020), The Fall and Rise of Chimeras: Autumn Seasonal 2020, and The First Line Poets Anthology: June 2022.
But writing isn’t just something I do alone – I love performing my poetry live at events! I’ve been fortunate enough to perform at a variety of venues, including The Blessed Miracle in April 2013, Words and Wisdom Open Mic at The British Muslim Heritage Centre in May 2013, and the Blessed Hub Fundraising Dinner at the Royal Nawaab Manchester in October 2013. I’ve also performed at Studio TV99 in December 2016, SKT Welfare Open Mic Night in January 2017 at Mega Hall in Manchester, and Action Palestine presents CADFA in Palestine and Spoken Word Poetry Event at Manley Park Community Play Centre-Manchester in February 2017. Madinah Society’s Poetry Evening, Limelight Live Lounge at Limelight Old Trafford in April, June, and October 2018, Blue Balloon’s 7th Spoken Word Poetry & Open Mic and 1st online in September 2020, Boshra’s 3rd Open Mic at Chapter One Books in Manchester in February 2022, MWAF: Poetry Bonanza with North-West Poets presented in partnership with Creative Manchester and the Centre for New Writing, University of Manchester at Manchester Central Library in March 2022, Old Trafford’s Got Talent at St. John’s Church in Old Trafford in June 2022, and Art and Soul Events: Feminity Workshop in June 2022. Recently, I also had the opportunity to participate in Boshra’s 4th Open Mic at Lattasm Café in Manchester in July 2022 and Commonword’s Moss Side Festival at the Millennium Powerhouse Library in November 2022. In January 2023, I was even featured on BBC Upload on BBC Radio Manchester with David Scott – what an experience!
Writing has allowed me to grow in so many ways.
Not only have I published a book and performed at various events, but I’ve also built communities online and created content on social media. I’m passionate about teaching and learning, which is why I’ve participated in poetry workshops and assisted in extracurricular classes. I’ve even volunteered and led teams at a local charity, which has given me the chance to make an impact both locally and globally.
It’s been quite a journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next. Along the way, I’ve learned so much about myself, my writing style, and my ability to connect with others through my words. It hasn’t always been easy, and there have been times when I felt like giving up, but I’ve persisted because writing is my passion and my purpose.
One of the most rewarding aspects of writing has been the opportunity to help others through their own struggles. Whether it’s dealing with a difficult breakup or learning to love oneself, I’ve found that my writing can offer comfort, insight, and inspiration to those who need it most. Hearing from readers who have been touched by my words is truly humbling and makes all the hard work worthwhile.
In addition to my writing, I’ve also enjoyed sharing my poetry through live performances. There’s nothing quite like the rush of standing in front of an audience and sharing your deepest thoughts and emotions. Over the years, I’ve performed at a variety of events and venues, from small open mic nights to large fundraising dinners. Each experience has been unique and memorable in its own way, and I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to share my work with others.
Looking back on the past 11 years, I feel proud of all that I’ve accomplished and excited for what’s to come. I’m currently working on my second poetry collection, and I can’t wait to see it published and shared with the world. I’m also exploring new ways to connect with readers and other writers, from starting a blog to collaborating on projects with fellow creatives.
Through it all, I know that writing will always be a part of who I am. It’s my way of making sense of the world, of exploring my own thoughts and feelings, and of connecting with others. So here’s to the next 11 years of writing, of growth, of learning, and of making a difference in the lives of others. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
‘I am the unlucky one’ I said to the Consultant. I was sobbing away on my own with nobody to hold my hand or support me. Where did I go wrong? What had I done? I always helped everyone – young old, needy and desperate. So why did it have to be ME? I didn’t understand.
Research studies have validated that trauma experienced by our Ancestors can live on in our DNA thanks to epigenetic inheritance. Read my account of carrying intergenerational trauma from the partition of India and Pakistan here.
I am pleased to share my podcast with you. Expulsion@50 is an oral history project, created to raise awareness of the expulsion over 80,000 Asians
The first of the Trust’s projects is the South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), which first took place in 2020 and runs from the 18th of July to the 17th of August each year.
SAHM seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities.
It seeks to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.
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