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The STAFFORD
UNDER 16s
POETRY
COMPETITION

These are the winning entries of the first Stafford Under 16s Poetry Competition, an open competition organised by Staffordshire Libraries and funded by Stafford District Arts Council.

First prize £25
Second prize £15
Third Prize £10

There were over 80 entries, many of a very high standard. The winning poems were selected by the management team of Stafford District libraries. The judges decided to award two second and two third prizes.

FIRST PRIZE – ALICE RAILTON (15)

Changes

How can I still be me
when I am hard to find?
I lost my youth so long ago,
I left myself behind.

I cannot just be happy;
my worries know no end
This bitterness, it sours me
and yet it is my friend

My mind is always cloudy
and I long to go to bed
It's hard to shake this gloom
and be personable instead

I have to plan my future:
and learn to say goodbye
but all this looking forward
makes the good times pass me by

So if you can slow the future
or can see my youth amid
these adult fears, please let me know-
I want to be a kid

SECOND PRIZE – SARAH LYMER (11)

The Whistling River

I felt like the
river
was slowly
creeping
up on me
and when I turned
around
there was no sound,
apart from the whistling river.

The river was coated
in a fine layer of silver frost
which felt like silk.

The icicles on the river
were like swords digging
into someone’s heart
on the river bed.

Then the next day
the sun came out and melted
all the frost away that
meant I had I to
go back to school,
Oh I wish the snow hadn’t gone away.

SECOND PRIZE – KATHERINE FREEMAN (15)

Obsession

I look through your window to snatch a glance.
Look for your shirt, your smile, the way you prance.
I giggle at the sight of you.
Come on! I see you smile back too.
You think everyone fancies you. Well that’s what my friend said.
I won’t mention it. It will make your face go red.
Check you out with your impeccable singing voice.
You’d be mine for sure if I had a choice.
Young and old is a fine line to tread.
“It’s when your hair is grey” I think you said.
Why has my heart fallen for an older man?
Lunch in Burton? I’m sure you can!
That brings me to the end of an everlasting story.
One last thing. I hope you’re not over forty.

THIRD PRIZE – GILL ANDERSON (15)

The Stars

The stars burst through Madagascar,
Millions at a time
Emerging faster and faster
Stepping out of line
Twinkling enthusiastically,
at breakfast, lunch and tea
Blinking in a blanket
as far as you can see,
Silently spying, beyond you and me.

THIRD PRIZE – EMMA DAVIES (12)

The Pig

The trotting hoofs,
The squealing tongue,
The cute ugly snorting:
This is a pig.
The sweet scented feed,
The eaten trough:
This is a sty.
Playful, Excited, Laughing,
Sunbathing, Rolling, Lying Down,
Heavy, Greedy, Chubby:
This is a pig.
The curly tail,
The pink tongue,
The furry ears,
The sniffing snout:
This is a pig

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