I recently had the pleasure of running poetry workshops with the lovely students at Berkhamsted Prep School. I would like to share some examples of their incredible work; I hope you enjoy the poems as much as I did!
THE SNAKE OF GUILT by Ellie Yr 6
When I met the snake of guilt
his eyes flashed red before me.
I must not tell him what I have done
or punishment will follow.
He slithers slyly under my skin
waiting for me to slip up.
When I get close
his venomous breath chokes me.
I must not tell him what I will do
or pain and anguish will follow.
When I met the snake of guilt
his eyes flashed red before me.
I looked him in the eye
and told him what I did.
The great snake
became a mouse
and scuttled off into the bushes.
THE PUPPY OF JOY by Lauren Yr 6
The puppy of joy,
jumping around in the meadow.
You can stroke her beautiful black curls.
You can stare in wonder
as she dances in the long grass.
You can listen to her bark,
calling out for you.
The puppy of joy,
curled at the end of your bed.
You can cuddle her and hug her.
You can let her lick your hands
while you sleep.
You can lie down next to her
and doze side by side.
You can look into her eyes
and see the sweet soul
of the puppy of joy.
ANXIOUSNESS by Daisy Yr 3
Anxiousness is a darkness that covers all hope
Anxiousness is like eating Antarctic ice
Anxiousness is being showered in your mistakes
Anxiousness is talking to your friends in a language you don’t know
Anxiousness is walking down the corridor thinking about how bad life is
Anxiousness is something that will haunt you forever
[NB I suggested that the poet change ‘anxiousness’ to ‘anxiety’, but she didn’t want to!]
