Since 2013 I have been a part of the pioneering Spoken Word Education programme. As a result of this programme I gained an MA from Goldsmiths College, and am a trained poet-educator working in schools. Last night the school where I have been resident poet celebrated the launch of our first poetry anthology. Working regularly at Plashet School has given me the valuable opportunity to forge long-term links with both teachers and pupils, something not possible for most creative artists. I am very lucky to have this wonderful role.
The anthology is entitled 'Us', and was produced as part of a collaboration between myself and the school's RE department. I worked with a number of classes to produce poems on various topics of spiritual importance, such as death, war, faith and gender identity. A number of these poems were collected for the anthology, which was sold to raise money for Care 4 Calais, a charity working with migrants and their families. A number of poets performed their poems at the launch event last night. Here is my favourite poem from the anthology:
Poem by Safa
I’m here
sitting in my classroom
I have
education
I have clean
clothes
I have
friends
I have a
supportive family
And I’m
treated well
Yet there is
a girl out there
Who’s
sitting at home
Without
education
Without
clean clothes
Without
friends
Without a
supportive family
And she
isn’t treated well
But that’s
not all
She’s been
forced into marriage
Even though
she’s so young
She’s been
stripped of her freedom
Even though
she’s so young
They took
away her childhood
Even though
she’s so young
I’m probably
living her dream
Yet we come
from the same place
And live on
the same planet
The evening was rounded off with a fantastic performance by guest poet Bridget Minamore. I am very proud of what my students have achieved, and had a wonderful time working with them all!
