Poetry event held in honour of Benjamin Zephaniah

Benjamin Zephaniah died in December 2023 aged 65

Poems have been read out and attached to newly planted trees in honour of writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah.

The 65 readings were carried out in Burbury Park in Birmingham on Saturday, following a competition co-ordinated by charity Birmingham TreePeople.

It formed part of the Zephaniah Forest project and came after trees were planted during the winter in memory of the nature-loving poet, who died in December 2023 aged 65.

Charley McDermott, of Birmingham TreePeople, said the poems would be laminated and tied to the trees to prevent disturbing or damaging them.

Poets read out 65 poems during the event at Burbury Park

"His legacy is just being here - people showing each other love," said his wife Qian Zephaniah.

"We look after the trees to show the love to nature."

"He would have loved this," added his sister Millicent Springer.

"He would have been running around the trees and doing his poetry because Benji was just a nature lover and loved people.

"This is a beautiful tribute to him."

Qian Zephaniah said the event was a fitting tribute to her husband

The chosen poems were announced as winners of the Trees Please, Poetry Please competition, named after one of Zephaniah's works.

The judging panel consisted of Ms McDermott, Zephaniah's youngest brother David Springer and local poet, performer and film-maker Zakariye.

Mr Springer said he knew his brother was looking down and appreciating the "wonderful" tribute to him.

"From a very young age, he stopped eating meat as he thought it was cruel and he just loved nature," he said.

"He was passionate about green, he was passionate about human beings. Benjamin never forgot his roots."

Sister Joyce Springer read out one of the poems at the event