General Discussion

Emrys

(9,195 posts)

9. Brian Bilston (pen name of Paul Millicheap) was dubbed "The Poet Laureate of Twitter" some years ago

Tue Apr 28, 2026, 08:51 PM

Tuesday

Last edited Wed Apr 29, 2026, 08:03 PM - Edit history (1)

for his pithy rhymes at a time when it had a more restricted character limit. He's since published several collections of his works and a novel, and staged a number of speaking tours. A bit more about him here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Bilston

Probably his best-known work is the poem "Refugees", written in 2016 and since published as an illustrated book aimed at children, which has featured in many British schools' and universities' curriculums:

Refugees

They have no need of our help
So do not tell me
These haggard faces could belong to you or I
Should life have dealt a different hand
We need to see them for who they really are
Chancers and scroungers
Layabouts and loungers
With bombs up their sleeves
Cut-throats and thieves
They are not
Welcome here
We should make them
Go back to where they came from
They cannot
Share our food
Share our homes
Share our countries
Instead let us
Build a wall to keep them out
It is not okay to say
These are people just like us
A place should only belong to those who are born there
Do not be so stupid to think that
The world can be looked at another way

(Now read from bottom to top)