The Phoenix Poets' Society published its first anthology - Vol. 1 The Feather in the Summer term. Two poems are included below to give you an idea of the range of poetry within the antholgy. The society meets most Wednedays in Room J, to read aloud poems we have written (and favourite poems by published poets), as well as sharing good ideas within the group and inspiring each other. If you don't want to read aloud ... just come along and listen! Or just use the time to sit and create your own poetry ....

The Day I Flooded The Bathroom

The Day I flooded the bathroom
Is a day I shall never forget;
My Mother and Father were terribly cross-
And the bathroom was terribly wet.

The floor was absolutely soaking,
And the carpet was sodden through..
The floorboards were wet and soggy…
What were we going to do?

My Mother and Father looked at me,
And I looked at the floor,
The bathroom was an utter mess….
 
Need I now say ANY more!?

By Rebecca

Salt and Pepper

Somehow I found myself here,
A grain of salt in the peppermill,
Not knowing how I got in,
No way to get out
But to be crushed by
Conformity,
The grinding wheels
Of society,
The cogs that twist out
Your soul and wring it dry.
This is the world where beauty lies
Only in the corners that no one sees.
Now I lie here in this dusty peppermill
And I am alone.
I refuse to be crushed out,
A grain of salt amongst the pepper.

by Siobhan

Celebrated poet Libby Dineley of Berwick St John recently visited the society which comprises girls who have been specifically identified as Gifted and Talented in English.  She said:  "I never meet people wishing to write things out of their heads, even my closest friends don't do it, so it was a great pleasure to me and I felt truly indulged."

A member of the society said:  'We get together and discuss ideas and encourage each other.  People come and have a go - it's great.  It was fantastic to meet a 'real' poet and we all really enjoyed her visit.' Her visit was truly inspirational and we hope to invite her back when the girls' poems are being published as an Anthology later in the year.  The anthology will be divided into sections entitled nature, love, war, loss and grief, beauty, education, humour, culture and faith, and has been written by girls aged between 11 and 18.
 
Mrs Norton, who is the Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator, said:  'The girls have worked tremendously hard and it's wonderful seeing their talent come to fruition.  The launch of the book will be very exciting.'
 
Watch this space!

[The photograph - 'Eggs and Feather' - is by Thomasina]