The poetry of Lemn Sissay is a powerful blend of identity, resilience, and emotional truth. Known for his deeply personal and socially conscious voice, Sissay explores themes such as belonging, love, loss, and the search for self in a complex world. His work often reflects his own life experiences—growing up in the care system—which gives his poems an authentic and raw emotional depth.
What makes Lemn Sissay’s poetry stand out is its simplicity paired with profound meaning. His words are accessible yet impactful, making readers pause and reflect on human connection and society. Whether through spoken word performances or written verses, Sissay’s poetry carries a rhythmic energy that resonates with audiences across generations.
In this blog, we will explore some of Lemn Sissay’s most powerful poems, uncovering the emotions, messages, and artistic brilliance behind his work.
Some Things I Like
Listen
I like wrecks, I like ex-junkies,
I like flunks and ex-flunkies,
I like the way the career-less career,
I like flat beer,
I like people who tell half stories and forget the rest,
I like people who make doodles in important written tests,
I like being late. I like fate. I like the way teeth grate,
I like laceless shoes cordless blues,
I like the one-bar blues,
I like buttonless coats and leaky boats,
I like rubbish tips and bitten lips,
I like yesterday’s toast,
I like cold tea, I like reality,
I like ashtrays, I write and like crap plays.
I like curtains that don’t quite shut,
I like bread knives that don’t quite cut,
I like rips in blue jeans,
I like people who can’t say what they mean,
I like spiders with no legs, pencils with no lead,
Ants with no heads, worms that are half dead.
I like holes, I like coffee cold. I like creases in neat folds.
I like signs that just don’t know where they’re going,
I like angry poems,
I like the way you can’t pin down the sea.
See.
Anthem of the North
The North Star leads the way
To the mountain top in awe
That, my friend, is why they say
Up up up… North
And so we build year after year
And we rise tide after time
We bring light to darkness
And we shine
Welcome to our future
And all she endows
This is our dream, our vision
This is our power, our house
This is the backbone of Britain
And they say it is cold
But there is nothing warmer
Than a Northern Soul
Even the tides of oceans speak of you
Upon their chosen course
“Bring as many waves as you can” they say
“for we are heading North”
And they come in waves to kiss our coast -
Urged on by the North Wind
The surge of river greets the Sea
“Come in” it says “come in”
The A’s the E’s the I’s the O’s the U’s
Flocks of vowels fill the night with song
Great they are and migrate they do
The North is where they belong
Daughters of suffragettes sons of mines
The digital revolution - the creation
True North you North
You heart of our nation
And our children grow wings
And soar across this earth
But home they are assured
Is the greatest place on earth
Oh North North I love you
You made me the best I could be
You waited with open arms
And took in a stranger like me
We are the beautiful North
The darkness of night bows
We are a waterfall of light
This is our power, our house
Invisible Kisses
If there was ever one
Whom when you were sleeping
Would wipe your tears
When in dreams you were weeping;
Who would offer you time
When others demand;
Whose love lay more infinite
Than grains of sand.
If there was ever one
To whom you could cry;
Who would gather each tear
And blow it dry;
Who would offer help
On the mountains of time;
Who would stop to let each sunset
Soothe the jaded mind.
If there was ever one
To whom when you run
Will push back the clouds
So you are bathed in sun;
Who would open arms
If you would fall;
Who would show you everything
If you lost it all.
If there was ever one
Who when you achieve
Was there before the dream
And even then believed;
Who would clear the air
When it’s full of loss;
Who would count love
Before the cost.
If there was ever one
Who when you are cold
Will summon warm air
For your hands to hold;
Who would make peace
In pouring pain,
Make laughter fall
In falling rain.
If there was ever one
Who can offer you this and more;
Who in keyless rooms
Can open doors;
Who in open doors
Can see open fields
And in open fields
See harvests yield.
Then see only my face
In reflection of these tides
Through the clear water
Beyond the river side.
All I can send is love
In all that this is
A poem and a necklace
Of invisible kisses.
Spark Catchers
Tide twists on the Thames and lifts the Lea to the brim of Bow
Where shoals of sirens work by way of the waves.
At the fire factory the fortress of flames
In tidal shifts East London Lampades made
Millions of matches that lit candles for the well-to-do
And the ne’er-do-well to do alike. Strike.
The greatest threat to their lives was
The sulferuous spite filled spit of diablo
The molten madness of a spark
They became spark catchers and on the word “strike”
a parched arched woman would dive
With hand outstretched to catch the light.
And Land like a crouching tiger with fist high
Holding the malevolent flare tight
‘til it became an ash dot in the palm. Strike.
The women applauded the magnificent grace
The skill it took, the pirouette in mid air
The precision, perfection and the peace.
Beneath stars by the bending bridge of Bow
In the silver sheen of a phosphorous moon
They practised Spark Catching.
“The fist the earth the spark it’s core
The fist the body the spark it’s heart”
The Matchmakers march. Strike.
Lampades The Torch bearers
The Catchers of light.
Sparks fly Matchmakers strike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the poetry of Lemn Sissay leaves a lasting impact through its honesty, simplicity, and emotional depth. His words speak to the heart, exploring identity, belonging, and the strength of the human spirit. By turning personal experiences into powerful verses, Sissay creates a connection that feels both intimate and universal. His poetry reminds us that even in moments of struggle, there is beauty, hope, and resilience. As readers, we are not only inspired by his journey but also encouraged to reflect on our own stories. Lemn Sissay’s work continues to resonate, offering meaning and comfort to audiences around the world.
