‘Wolves, Aye We, Yaar’: New poetry book captures life in Wolverhampton
A new poetry collection rooted in Wolverhampton life, Wolves, Aye We, Yaar, has been published by Wolverhampton writer Satnam Rakhra to coincide with the opening of the Wolverhampton Literary Festival. The book brings together poems drawn from the city’s streets, voices and everyday experiences, offering an honest portrait of Wolverhampton as it is lived.
The collection brings together poems shaped by Wolverhampton’s streets, humour, frustrations and warmth, reflecting diverse voices and histories that transcend class and culture while remaining firmly rooted in place. Drawing on everyday experiences — from childhood memories and family life to football talk, migration, loss and belonging — the poems present a city that is complex, resilient and deeply human.
Written in a direct, conversational style, the poems echo Wolverhampton’s spoken rhythms and emotional honesty. Many are designed to be read aloud, capturing the wit, sharpness and tenderness of local voices.
One poem from the collection was selected by the 2026 Wolverhampton Literary Festival judging panel as a prize-winning entry, but was not formally awarded due to eligibility rules.
“Wolves, Aye We, Yaar isn’t about polishing Wolverhampton up for outsiders,” said Rakhra.
“It’s about writing from the inside — the humour, the contradictions, the pride, and the affection people have for this place, even when it’s complicated.”
The book is published independently and is available now on Amazon in paperback. It is aimed both at current residents and those who may no longer live in the city but still carry Wolverhampton with them.
The publication coincides with the Wolverhampton Literary Festival, which celebrates writing connected to the city and its communities.
About the author
Satnam Rakhra grew up in Wolverhampton before leaving the city to work elsewhere, including in Australia. After retiring, he returned to Wolverhampton, where he now writes poetry and stories rooted in the city, its people and its everyday life.
