Wordsmith jnr anthology

Foreword

What is poetry? Why write? Why write poems?

From days of old, poetry has been a way of expressing what you are thinking, what you are feeling, and is often used when we show our expression of love. Sometimes we use poetry to convey when we are angry or upset.

The use of language is one of the most important ways of encouraging others to listen to our voices. One such expressive piece of writing was that of Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

Although it wasn’t a poem as such, it was a very important speech to the American people. Within the speech, Martin Luther King uses many poetic devices such as repetition and emotive language to draw the listener in and to stir up our emotions. This is a very good example of poetic language within what is a very formal statement.

The aim of this Wordsmith Junior School E-thology is to celebrate the voices of young writers in five of South Manchester’s primary schools by looking at the amazing speech of Martin Luther King as part of Black History Month. In July 2013 it was the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s famous speech.

The project allows young people to express their inner thoughts and to have their own words validated through their poetry.

Wordsmith poet coaches facilitated this by teaching the young writers about poetic devices such as metaphor, similes and personification and also by using forms such as free-write poetry.

We also taught them haikus, narrative poetry, rhythm, rhyming and limericks for a bit of fun.

We used these forms as an inspiration for writing their own speeches and poems on what affects them as young people living in Manchester, giving them the opportunity to express how they would change the world if they could.

In addition we used a form that looked at the child; placing them at the centre of the poem, giving them the opportunity to talk about themselves through their words.

As part of the program we looked at what ‘slam poetry is’, which essentially puts the young writers /performers into a competition format. All the other schools taking part in the project pitted their words and wits against each other and is a little bit like a netball match or a football match.

We looked at best lines, best performance and best and most im-proved student during the project.

The schools worked with some of the finest young poets in the north-west from several of the cities poetry collectives such as Inna Voice, Brother Talk, Speakeasy Collective and Young Identity.

I hope you enjoy reading the expressions of the young people of South Manchester Primary Schools;St Margaret’s, St Mary’s, Holy Name, Divine Mercy and Webster.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the schools involved and all of the poet coaches. Speacial thanks go to Christopher Nelson AKA ChriSJaM from Wordsmith for making this happen.

Shirley May

Claremont Primary School

Teacher: Simon Early

Poet Coach: Buzzrock

Award: Best Team

Most Improved: Wasi Haider

I was a little baby,Hungry.Fast-running, very fastVery tired.I can paint beautiful pictures,Play Basketball,Jump really high,And eat lots of Pizza.I am clever, very clever;I am Basmala,A very clever girl,A small girl.I will be a doctor,A helper,A mum,A teacher.

I

Basmala

I was having an excellent time on EidI was really hungry this morning,I was being helpful,I am glad segregation’s over.I am a smart, intelligent girl,I am a fantastic dancer,I am an amazing artistic individual.

I will enjoy my life until the end,Stand up for my own rights.I will be a medical nurse,I can sing and dance,Run rapidly, fast.Jump excitedly when I try,And paint like Georgia Keith.

I

Hamda

Dream

Hamda

I have a dream that one day I will be a shining star,I will stop all the wars.No more people being aggressive,Lots of people doing good will be impressive.No more people having to beg,Living life on just one leg.Those things are of the past; We have found our dream at last.

I have a dream that one day I will be outstanding,Because with confidence and self-esteem we can achieve anything.No more children will have a hard day,No more parents will cry away,No more families will live in poverty,Everyone can live in prosperity.Abusive people will exist no more,The world will be better than before.

I have a dream that one day we won’t have to dreamDreams of being a success,Because I will always strive to be my best,I have a dream that one day we won’t have to dream dreams,Because everybody on this globe will be living their dreams.

Buzz and 5E

I have a dream that one day we won’t have to dream dreams of peace,Because all wars, violence and destruction will cease,No more bombs falling from the sky,No more death raining from on high,No more children will have to die,No more mothers will have to cry,These are memories of the past,We have found peace at last.

I have a dream that one day we won’t have to dream dreams of ending poverty,Because with peace we can achieve global prosperity,No more children will go to bed hungry,No more parents will fight over money,No more families will live in despair,No more depression or anger or tears,Hunger and starvation will exist no more,The world will be better than before.

I have a dream that one day we won’t have to dream dreams of ending modern slavery,Because with peace and prosperity everyone can live safely,No more people forced to work for free, No more people stripped of dignity,No more children vanishing from sight,No more parents panicking in fright,Worry and misery will be replaced with hope,We will be able to live, laugh and grow.

I have a dream that one day we won’t have to dream dreams,Because with peace, prosperity and global freedom;We will be living our dreams.

I Have a Dream

I have a dream that one day I will be a star,I will make everyone happy and buy a cool car,No more people crying for stuff,Everyone will have enough.No more people having to die,No more people have to cry,These are memories of the past,We have found success at last.

I have a dream that one day their will be peace within communities,Because with peace we can achieve happiness and unity.No more children will run awry,No more parents fighting to get by,No families will struggle and break,No more pain no more heartaches.Fighting and despair will exist no more,The world will be better than before.

I have a dream that one day we won’t have to dream,Dreams of a world without hunger,Because with everyone fed there will be no anger,No more people killing animals for meat,Respect for all life is neat.No more children will have to die,No more parents have to cry,Misery and despair will be replaced with care,We will be able to live lives without fear.I have a dream that one day we won’t have to dream dreams,Because with peace and happiness,We will be living our dreams living our dreams,Living our dreams.

I Have a Dream

Laya

I have a dream that one day I will be a success,Because I will never stop being the best,No more messing about,No more shouting out.No more fighting,No more hitting,These are things of the past,I have found success at last.

I have a dream that one day I will be clever,Because with my education I will go further,No more failures,No more asking for favours.No more families will live in despair,No more bullies spreading fear,Cruelty will exist no more,The world will be better than before.

I have a dream that one day I will be truly free,Because with unity all can live in harmony,No more people will have to die,No more children will have to cry,No more separation,We can live as one nation.Troubles will be replaced with hope,We will all be able to cope,I have a dream that one day my hopes and dreams I will achieve,Because in my heart I truly believe,We will be living our dreams living our dreams,Living our dreams.

I Have a Dream

Laya Liban

I have a dream that one day the world will be Alcohol free,I am sure you agree,Because alcohol causes misery.No more people getting hurt,No more people killed in the dirt,No more people drink and drive,No more people bumping into others in the night,These are memories of the past,We have stopped alcohol at last.

I have a dream that one day their will be no bullies in school.Because everyone will obey the rules,No more children will cry to the Head,Everyone will be calm instead.No more families to cry and shout,We will have wiped bullying out,The world will be better than before,We will have bullies no more.

I have a dream that one day I will be a great DoctorAnd a family with sons and daughters.No more people getting sick,I will care for all safe and quick,No more children will die again,No more people living in pain.Illness will be replaced with health,We will be able to enjoy our health,I have a dream that one day we won’t have to dream dreams,Because with powerful people everyone can live safely.

Dream

Makhadija

Makhadija

I have dream that one day we won’t have dreams of ending child abuse,Because people will love and care for all children,Even when they don’t know them,No children will be sick and without care,No more families in despair.

I have a dream that one day we won’t have to dream of a safe environment,No more people littering the streets,No more factories causing Air pollution,No more children breathing toxic air,Worry and misery will be replaced with hope;With a safe environment we will be able to cope.

Dream

Ric-Anju

I have a dream that one day I won’t have to fight,Because we will respect each other,No more fighting over balls,No more people banging on walls.No more children using all their might,No more children smashing all the lights,These are memories of the past,We have found kindness at last.

I have a dream that one day I will be a shin-ning star;Because with self belief I can achieve and go far.No more children will beg for food,No more parents will be like scrooge,No more families will face poverty,No more tears just joy and prosperity.Poverty and begging will exist no more;The world will be better than before

Dream

Shawal

Shawal

Born in 2003,Born free,Born in Jamaica,I was not alone.

I am a boy with talent,An incredible boxer,!0 years old as good as gold

I will be an incredibly good racer,I will stand up for myself,I will race you,Do what I have to do.I will believe in myself,I will take a hike,Or just ride my bike.

I

Shikeo

St Marys CofE Primary

Teacher: Cath Jenkins

Poet Coach: Elmi Ali

Award: Best Poem - Rashkan Karim

Most Improved: Kenny Ahmed

I am wearing a spotty, sparkly dress,I am a chef that cooks delicious food,I am happy as a happy Rabbit.

I have a pet goldfish that splashes in its bowl,I have a pet cat that I always stroke,I can see in the dark,I can jump really high,I can fly higher than anybody.

I will rule over you for only one day,I will bring people together so they can unite,I will be happy for years.

I was a Banana and people cut my head off,I was a Tomato that splatters,I was funny but now I’m boring just like a jumper.

I Am

Dora

When I am calm my voice sounds like a big Tree,

With leaves gently swishing against the wind,

Sometimes my voice sounds like thunder crashing to the ground when I’m angry.

Sometimes my voice sounds like a clear vision looking and helping people.

My voice is like a River whishing by with beautiful voices,

My voice is like birds singing with beautiful voices.

My Voice

Dora Dora

I am a good Hip Hop dancer,I am a good Hip Hop spinner,I am a special girl.I have good talent,I have a good heart,I have a brave mind.I can run fast like Husain Bolt,I can be a Teacher,I can be the most perfect girl.I will be the most talented girl,I will be pretty like Miss Butcher,I will be the best accountant.I was a baby but now I am ten,I was the best cheerleader,I was in the Cayman Islands,But now I am in Manchester.

I Am

Kalia

My voice is like a river whishing past beautiful green trees.

And swaying side to side.

My calm voice is full of air,

However when anger rushes through my fin-gers.

I turn into a Cat Woman

A loud bang smack and splash comes the Cat Woman,

And steals precious stuff,

And then I return to a normal innocent person.

My Voice

Kalia

I look funny, funnier than anybody.I have a sense of humour because of my funniness.I can be funny because of my happiness,I am 99.9% funny.I am a PS3 fan more than anybody,I am a black PS3 fan,I can play PS3 because of my hands,I will play PS3 thanks to God.I am a big bro, I have a little broI can help my bro,I will help my bro,I was helping my bro.

I Am

Hassan

When I am angry I go as red as a tomato,My voice sounds like lion,Birds fly away, people shush.I go mad, everybody does what I want,I turn into Hulk.I destroy everything in my way,Smash bang boom kaboom,But when I am calm it’s like heaven,Everybody is relaxed and everywhere smells of perfume.However when I am sad, earthquakes ap-pear,When I am normal my voice sounds bor-ing,You don’t want to know or do,Dum Dum da da.

My Voice

Hassan Hassan

I am the star that glows at night,I am that volcano who is mad,I am a lion after preyI have a heart-never forget that,I have a voice- never forget that.I have the loveliest mother in the worldI can fly like an eagle,I can bite like a snake,I can climb like a Monkey.I was a super hero with laser powers,I am 100% funny,I will be a strong tree that never gives up,I will be a Youtuber,I will be a Cheetah; so fast.

I Am

Kennedy

When calm, my voice is like the flowing of lava,Bursting out of a volcano,With my voice come darkness. However, when happiness rushes through I am transformed,Into a lovely special man.A different person from before,Ik verander in een super held metVetten Krachten de wreld tegen aliens.

My Voice

Kennedy Kennedy

I am someone who has a dream, a dream to change the world.

I am like a butterfly fluttering to find its home,

I am blessed with s strong resolve to make my dream come true,

I have a heart filled with love laughter and happiness,

I can fly into the sky to catch inspira-tion,

I can be the best scientist I can be.

I Am

Rashkan

When happy my voice is soft calmly washing past,When angry a big boom comes out, my face gets red.When I’m really angry I burst up into the sky,Like a rocket shooting across the heavens.When I land a big crash of wind comes out of my mouth,I stamp and stamp until I am calm.When calm my voice plays a soft melody,But when sad my voice goes down,All croaked and crunched like a piece of paper someone does not appreciate.When excited my voice shoots up like a rocket,With a boom, a bang, a smash and crashMaybe one day my voice will be as loud as a lion’s ROAR

My Voice

Rashkan Rashkan

I am brave like a cheetah,I am sensitive like touching leaves,I am good at cooking.I have been good all day,I have power that can make rainbows,I have a magic car that can drive really fast.I can be the best that I can be,I can move really fast,I can become the best gymnast.I will do whatever I want,I will be the best Doctor when I grow up,I will be the best flyer in the world,I was the cutest baby and now I am the cutest child.

I Am

Rich Love

My voice is as musical as a river,

With my voice I can blow wind,

When I get angry my veins rush blood quickly to my head,

And I turn into Wonder Woman,

I save worlds and crush cars,

I turn into thunder and blow trees down.

My Voice

Rich Love Rich Love

Webster Primary School

Teacher: Louise Davies

Poet Coach: Desiree Reynolds

Award: Best Performance

Most Improved: Daisy Pritchard

His face was a thunder cloud,

Deep, dark frown lines, ran through his forhead.

His eyes narrowed so small, I almost couldn’t see them.

His words rang through my ears, “I will”

He shouted, “I will”.

My Hero is my Dad

Rich Love

Poppys are red.

The same colour as blood.

Every time I think of Remembrance day, I rain.

I rain with anger, with frustrationRemembrance day,

I rain.

Rememberance Day

Rich Love Rich Love

Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only love can do that,Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that,

Because war is darkness,Peace is the light.

I am the war, I spit acid from the clouds,But when I am the light, my heart shines bright.

I am hate, I don’t care about your fate,I am the sun, warming you with my rays.

Hatred rips your heart and tears you apart,And leaves you lonely.

We are a team, there’s no time for being mean.

Look up to the light and live your life,Stand up with all your might and do what is right.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that.Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.

Darkness Cannot Drive Out Darkness

Hamza, Nadia, Jaylanni, Oluwashun

I have decided to stick with love,Hate is too great a burden to bear.

Love is cool, like a jewel,Love is being fair, love is amazing.

Hate is exhausting,You’re not fooling anyone but your self,Hate can be dark, love is light.

Love is rare, in a world full of hate,Stick with love,Like a nail to a finger,Like hair attached to a head,Like teeth to gums,Like blood to viens.

I have decided to stick with love,Hate is too great a burden to bear.

Hate is too mighty for you to tackle,If we stick with love, nothing can stop us,Continuing this journey we call life.

We must be united against hate.

We have decided to stick with love,Hate is too great a burden to bear.

I Have Decided to Stick with Love

Tariq, Nada, Josh, Aminah

My Mum is amazing,I think she is brilliant,There’s nothing wrong about her,She is really diligent.

I think my mother,Is better than any other,When she is with me,There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

She raised me,She praises me,She is amazingMy mother,My hero.

Mum

Tariq

Tariq

St Margarets Primary School

Teacher: Saira Fazal

Poet Coach: Yussuf M’Rabty

Award: Best line - Simardeep Kaur

Most Improved: Leigha Davies

St Margarets Primary School

Teacher: Saira Fazal

Poet Coach: Yussuf M’Rabty

Award: Best line - Simardeep Kaur

Most Improved: Leigha Davies

I’m young but not dumb,

I’m strong because I know how to have fun.

My age ain’t a weakness to me,

I’m powerful because I’m young and free.

Young and Free

Winnie

I have a strong will like a politician,I’m always up for the competition,I’m kind hearted like a mother to a baby.I like keeping fit like a gym instructor,Because I don’t want to be my own destruc-tor.I take care of myself and others because we’re all sisters and brothers,I’m a believer like Donkey from Shrek,Otherwise I would be an absolute wreck,When I don’t stand up for myself.I cry at animal cruelty, like a baby all the time,A feeling that cant be soothed by lemon and lime,I worry about what lies ahead like an ex-plorer in a cave,I am brave and powerful because I am me.

I

Leigha

Sometimes

Jamal

I sometimes boast like Amir Khan,

I don’t cause any harm,

And sometimes I’m very calm.

I’m not afraid of the dark,

But sometimes I get scared when dogs bark,

I am the best I can take on any test.

Sometimes I lie like horrid Henry coz its fun,

I also like the Sun and Jamaican bun,

I am powerful because we are one.

Jamal Sadaat

I can run fast like a cheetah but I’m not a cheater.

I can outlift weightlifters not because I’m strong,

Because I’m not a quitter.

I have the will to stand up to others like a brother,

But that doesn’t mean I’m their mother.

I can eat big pineapples like a fatman,

But I’m just as powerful as Batman.

I can

I don’t cry a lot like a baby,Though I do get sad daily,Instead I write like an author a bit like a reporter.

I also like maths, it’s easy like a breeze or draft,I like reading books like a book worm,But I’m not a bookworm.

I don’t speak out loud like a lion ,And I don’t like dandylionsI like smelling roses, especially Ones that are red like tomatoes.

I like having school lessons,And getting presents,I am powerful because I am me.

Like a Lion

Simardeep

I support like a mattress,

In football I score hatricks.

The voice of a lion,Strong like iron.

Superstrong because I was raised with boys,

But they’re no stronger than me.

I’m not lactose intolerant but I don’t like milk,

The world is my oyster.

I am powerful because I am me.

My Oyster

Simardeep Cerys

I have loud speech like a laughing hyena,

And I’m not afraid to use it either.

I’m mischievous like a monkey,

So sometimes I’m a bit of numpty,

I’m delicate like Humpty Dumpty,

But at least as fast as a cheetah.

I’m powerful because I never give up,

I am powerful because I’m Youssef.

I’m Powerful

Youssef

I have decided to stick with loveHate is too great a burden to bear

Love is cool, like a jewelLove is being fair, love is amazing

Hate is exhaustingYou’re not fooling anyone but your selfHate can be dark, love is light

Love is rare, in a world full of hateStick with love,Like a nail to a fingerLike hair attached to a headLike teeth to gumsLike blood to viens

I have decided to stick with loveHate is too great a burden to bear

Hate is too mighty for you to tackleIf we stick with love, nothing can stop usContinuing this journey we call life

We must be united against hate

We have decided to stick with loveHate is too great a burden to bear.

I Have Decided to Stick with Love

Youssef Tariq, Nada, Josh, Aminah

I’ve got a loud voice like Martin Luther King.

I also say everything.

I rule like Henry the 8th,

I also eat the things he ate.

I’m clever like Albert Einstien,

I’m a poet when I rhyme.

I can be soft like a babys head,

But don’t be mislead.

I am weak because I feel sorry,Though that’s not really a weakness,

I am powerful because I am me.

My Voice

Jim

I have decided to stick with loveHate is too great a burden to bear

Love is cool, like a jewelLove is being fair, love is amazing

Hate is exhaustingYou’re not fooling anyone but your selfHate can be dark, love is light

Love is rare, in a world full of hateStick with love,Like a nail to a fingerLike hair attached to a headLike teeth to gumsLike blood to viens

I have decided to stick with loveHate is too great a burden to bear

Hate is too mighty for you to tackleIf we stick with love, nothing can stop usContinuing this journey we call life

We must be united against hate

We have decided to stick with loveHate is too great a burden to bear.

I Have Decided to Stick with Love

Tariq, Nada, Josh, Aminah

I am funny but can be shy and sweet like honey.

I like to cook but I like to read books,

I am cool so I live in my own pool,

I try my very best in tests,

I love my life it’s filled with happiness and bright.

I am powerful because I am me,

We are powerful because we are us.

We Are

Zainab

Zainab

Divine Mercy RC Primary School

Teacher: Chloe Barnes

Poet Coach: Saquib Chowdhury

Award: ???

Most Improved: Madeleine Elliot-Cox

Superhero

Amanda

I am a superhero,

I can turn into a lion princess.

I am strong, brave and have wings like a magical unicorn,

I can roar louder than a tiger,

I can run faster than a puma,

I am a superhero.

Christina

There was a small child in our class,Everyone loved his house,Which he shared with a mouse.

He was as cool as he was a fool,He loved to make his friends laugh,With his loud farts.

His mum would shout stop,But he would not listen,So he got grounded and pounded.

Now his mum makes him wear a skirt,And his pride is hurt,Style cramped like a tramp living under a street lamp.

Small Child

My teacher calls me ‘sweetie cakes’,

My class mates think it’s funny,

To hear me called names like ‘angel face’,Or ‘pokey bear’ or even ‘honey’.

She calls me ‘precious baby’.

She calls me ‘pumpkin pie’ or ‘doodle bug’Or ‘honey bunch’ or even ‘darling butterfly’.

I need to find another class,

Because as you probably grasped;

My teacher is my mother!

My Teacher

Joshua

The moon is dark and shady,

Everybody feels sleepy, dazy,

The morning is bright so I have better eyesight,

The moon is my giant.

A good friend of the sun, who she callsMr Bryant.

I am very pleased very pleased indeed,

Dancing is my thing,

Tomboy Rocky I am so lucky,

To be at this school no way I’ll leave a fool.

The Moon

Joshua Kelsey

The moon is dark and shady with me in the middle,

Wolves lay over me,

Suddenly I see a demon crawling,

In the morning for breakfast I have

Bread eggs and bacon;

The bacon I enjoyed the most.

Breakfast

Melvin

I have decided to stick with loveHate is too great a burden to bear

Love is cool, like a jewelLove is being fair, love is amazing

Hate is exhaustingYou’re not fooling anyone but your selfHate can be dark, love is light

Love is rare, in a world full of hateStick with love,Like a nail to a fingerLike hair attached to a headLike teeth to gumsLike blood to viens

I have decided to stick with loveHate is too great a burden to bear

Hate is too mighty for you to tackleIf we stick with love, nothing can stop usContinuing this journey we call life

We must be united against hate

We have decided to stick with loveHate is too great a burden to bear.

I Have Decided to Stick with Love

Melvin Tariq, Nada, Josh, Aminah

I want to be a rally car racer,Jumping over cars like there is danger,I will be skidding trust me not I’m kidding,I bet you will be cheering distracting while I’m steering.I won’t be blinking, driving and winking,Now you believe me I’m relieved you won’t see me,Turbo charge my car I’ll have a midnight bar.I won’t go in the pit even if my car is wrecked a bit,I’m a pro so no need to call my bro,I released a hound from Metal PoundI put down a tissue and the other person’s car becomes an issue,I got the gold trophy and it got sold by murphy.

Rally Car Racer

Mohammed

I was wrestling John Cena; he was so fat he almost lost his hat.

I was wrestling Daniel Brian he did the yes look, But he reversed it into a headlock.

I was wrestling Kane till I realised,That was not his name

I was wrestling Undertaker he was so mean,He looked like a mean, killing machine.

I was wrestling Randy Orton until I realised,He was an Orphan from Power Rangers-mighty morphing.

Wrestler

Samuel

Samuel

When I’m older I want to be a singer,I see my future in the mirror,I want to be like Celine Dion,To be in all the magazines,Buy a fleet of Limousines.Keep myself happy and healthy,Eat loads of Broccoli,Storm the stage of X factor,Make dreams reality,Everybody will know as Zainab the wonderful singer.Hum dinger fashioneesta, rich, generousAlways thinking of the poor,Spread love all over the world.In my designer clothes,Dance and sing everywhere everyday,Buy diamonds and live like a queen.

When I’m Older

Zainab