National Poetry Day - BRGS Winners

For National Poetry Day the school was set a challenge: to see it like a poet and write a poem, no longer than 20 lines, based on the theme of vision.

Guest judge, poet Dom Conlon, selected a winner from each year group. He said:

‘What a genuine privilege it is to read these poems. Every single one of them left its mark upon me whether in terms of language, imagery, or theme’

We are so grateful for Dom’s time and comments.

The winners are here for you to read, we hope they leave their mark on you too.

Year 7:

Zeeshan Year 7

This poem speaks to me in many different ways. In it I see some experiences I can only view as an outsider and others which I am directly affected by. But what Zeeshan has done is to bring us all together in this poem, uniting us through his eyes in a way which teaches me much. - Dom

Year 8:

20:20 

Dorothea Year 8

Dorothea uses language skilfully and confidently. This poem is at once an appraisal, a plea and a vision of what might be. It teaches me that we must listen to the voices of every generation, and not to dismiss them because of age. - Dom

Year 9:

My Shattered Vision

Inaaya Year 9

This deeply personal and profound poem uses words sparsely to create a raw connection between poet and reader. This is not an easy thing to do. Telling a truth is perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of poetry and Inaaya does it very well indeed. -Dom

Year 10

Destination: unknown

 

 

 

Clémence Year 10

There is a wonderful economy about this poem which reflects the uncertainty threaded throughout. The poet takes us on a journey into the unknown in a steady and structured process which echoes long after the poem ends. –Dom

Year 11:

What We Could Have Been

 

Bradley Year 11

Maturity and experience are served up with confidence here as the poet delves into feelings we hope to never have. This is a moving, beautiful poem, which has left its mark on me as a reader. –Dom

Sixth Form:

The View from Here

 

 

Hannah, Sixth Form

With lovely use of language and employing some delightful poetry tools, this poem builds a hopeful image in the hearts of the reader. I especially enjoyed the visual feast of ‘slant, slate roofs’, ‘forget gloom-ridden strife’ and the ending exaltation of ‘Lit up with the glow of the free’. – Dom

Dom Conlon is a Chorley based poet and writer for children who frequently appears on Radio Lancashire. His beautiful poems give an insight into how he views the world… and beyond.

His most recent book of poetry, ‘This Rock, That Rock - Poems Between You, Me and the Moon’ celebrate the 50 years since the first moon landing by Apollo 11. An event which not only impacted the moon’s surface, but Dom’s life and aspirations, teaching him to always look up.  Find out more at https://domconlon.com/