Ahead of the 80th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day on Friday 15 August, Arji Manuelpillai, Poet-in-Residence at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, has created a series of ten powerful new poems exploring incredible stories of bravery, sacrifice, and service in the Far East during the Second World War.

From 14 August to 16 November (10am-5pm), visitors to the Arboretum can follow the new free ‘Poetic Reflections’ trail through the Far East zone, listening to Arji’s poems while standing alongside the memorials that helped inspire them.

This new activity forms part of the Arboretum’s ‘The Year Was 1945...’ programme, commemorating 80 years since the end of the Second World War, first in Europe and then in the Far East.

“Harrowing stories, beyond my previous comprehension, tempered by those of hope, connection and resilience have inspired this series of poems,” said Arji Manuelpillai, Poet-in-Residence at the National Memorial Arboretum. “You will encounter poetry of various forms and structure, some written in the first person, and others that connect more personally to my own experience as a British Asian. Each piece attempts to help you experience something that information, memorials and plaques cannot - a feeling, a wondering, and a different perspective.” 

Visitors can collect a ‘podcatcher’ audio device handset from the Welcome Desk, enabling them to scan a pod at the memorials along the trail route to access a recital of each of the poems. Transcripts of all the poems will also be available from the Welcome Desk.  

“With thanks to our brilliant Poet-in-Residence, Arji, these ten new impactful poems are a powerful addition to our year-long ‘The Year Was 1945…’ programme, encouraging visitors to reflect on the sheer enormity of what people endured in the Far East during the Second World War. Through poetic storytelling, we’re able to honour the remarkable acts of sacrifice and service that took place 80 years ago,” said Rachel Smith, Head of Learning and Participation at the National Memorial Arboretum.

As well as being an acclaimed poet and performer, Arji Manuelpillai is a familiar face within the arts community, across the UK and beyond. He draws in over 15 years of experience, working in settings such as prisons, youth clubs, and cultural landmarks, including The Southbank Centre, The Barbican, and The Young Vic. 

While Poetic Reflections is open to all visitors, the poems explore complex themes, reflecting the gravity of wartime experiences and human suffering. The Arboretum has recommended that this content may be more suitable for adults and older children.

For more information about Poetic Reflections and ‘The Year Was 1945...’, visit thenma.org.uk/what's-on/exhibitions/1945.