Independent Minds: New Poetry by HMP Kilmarnock

by Kevin Williamson (Editor)

The political and civil criticism found in the poetry of Robert Burns has influenced readers for over two centuries. The emotional impact reached high levels when the poems were read by people who have lost their liberty, prisoners in HMP Kilmarnock. From the city which gave birth to Burns first poetry volume, a workshop within prison led to new inspired creations according to different personal backgrounds. Independence in these new poems is desired not only for Scotland, but also for contemporary slaves, war victims and immigrants. On a personal level, independence from substances and mental illness is also at stake; because the worst enemy often fought against, is our own self. This collection includes the original sources of inspiration, beloved poems by Burns. Among them, To a Mouse, A Man s A Man for A That, and Tree of Liberty. The poems are accompanied by images of Burns manuscripts and paintings from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. A moving and impressive collection from independent minds being nostalgic about the carefree past or wondering whether liberty was ever acquired.

84 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2013

About the author

Kevin Williamson (born 1961) is a Scottish writer, publisher, and activist. He is a Scottish socialist and republican and was an activist for the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP). He was also the architect of their radical drug policy, which included the legalisation of cannabis and the provision under the National Health Service of free synthetic heroin to addicts under medical supervision to combat the problems of drugs in working class communities. He wrote a regular weekly column, "Rebel Ink", for the Scottish Socialist Voice.

His first collection of poetry, In a Room Darkened, was published in 2007 by Two Ravens Press.

In December 2010, with fellow poet Michael Pederson, Kevin Williamson founded Neu! Reekie! A prize winning literary production house they describe as “a literary, music and animation collective with an international output; plus a record label and publishing house in tow”