University Of Brighton Graduate Publishes Debut Poetry Collection

(c) Johanna Elizabeth Photography

University of Brighton graduate Anila Arshad-Mehmood has published her debut poetry collection, Everything I Learned from Your Hands, with independent press Flight of the Dragonfly.

The collection explores themes including memory, mental health, family, love, and nostalgia, drawing on Anila’s experiences and creative development during her MA in Creative Writing at Brighton.

Flight of the Dragonfly was co-founded by fellow Brighton graduate Barbara Kirbyshaw, who described Anila’s voice as “strong and deeply rooted in identity, family, and survival”, adding she was delighted to publish her first pamphlet.

The press began as a student-led initiative at the University of Brighton and continues to work closely with current students and alumni, supporting emerging writers from the city’s creative community.

Anila, who has completed three degrees at Brighton, now works in education and mentorship while continuing to develop her writing.

Everything I Learned from Your Hands is available now through Flight of the Dragonfly.