Poetry
We would like to congratulate the following students of Immanuel College, Bushey for their winning entries to a poetry competition about homelessness: Olivia Chody, Benjamin Wilson, Chana Bernstein, Raz Benson, Hanna Baderman, Chloe Calman, Rachel Turek, Bethany Schneiderman, Liora Goldberg and Jaimee Piaquadio
Years 7-9 have been looking at the issue of homelessness and poverty in Britain. Mike Smith gave an informative talk in assembly and pupils continued their work in lessons. They were then asked to submit work for a competition for which they had to create an empathetic poem or story; the winners were taken to the Trust, where they visited most of our projects.
The winners then presented an assembly to the rest of the school.
Not Without Hope
He walked towards me as wet as could be. A little stray dog with no home just like me. He wagged his tail as I patted his head and curled down beside me to share my bed. I lost my home some years ago; now I roam the streets with nowhere to go. I beg in a doorway to get money for food. Sometimes people are nice, but often they are rude. As darkness approaches a light from a door welcomes the homeless and those who are poor. The warmth from the hostel brings hope and a meal. For a few fleeting moments my life becomes real.
Chloe Calman 8DH
No Bravery
It's because I concentrate more on what I am than who I am
It's because my independence ceases to exist, but there is no one there to shelter me
It's because money means the world, but the world is worth nothing
It's because my life is a puzzle but I have lost some of the pieces
It's because my art is a cardboard box
It's because I stare deep into water and still no reflection
It's because everyone thinks I am fine
It's because sorrow became my soul mate
It's because the lines on my face tell stories of pain
It's because they have ears, but they take no heed
It's because life after death isn't worth waiting for
It's because it is cold, not just outside, but inside as well
It's because praying makes me hungry
It's because daring is asking
It's because to fulfil means to forget
It's because it is in my pocket but the zip is broken
It's because in my dreams I fall instead of fly
It's because I find comfort in pain
It's because it is more than just words, it's tears and rain
It's because it is summer and I am still shivering
It's because no medicine cures my disease
It's because I am trapped, but there are no bars around me
It's because I run from things that don't exist
It's because my home hurts
It's because feeling is not one of my senses
It's because I admit it is too late to admit I am afraid
It's because I want to love but I am scared of creation
That is what it feels like to have no bravery............to be me
Hanna Baderman 9LE
No One Cares
I'm cold, I'm lonely, I'm weak,
And I'm probably insane, but who knows?
Does anyone care?
My name is Arthur Jones.
Who would know?
People probably think I don't have a name,
And that I'm a lazy old slug
Who can't be bothered to get up.
Does anyone care?
I was once a middle-class banker.
I lived in a large house.
I had a wife and three children.
Then I lost my job.
I lost my house.
My family left me.
Then a week later,
I found myself sleeping on a bench.
Do you care?
"Why is that man sleeping?"
I hear a child say.
"Oh, it's just a lazy man,
Who doesn't have a home"
Says his mother.
"Why doesn't he have a home?"
I feel like getting up and telling him the real reason,
But my legs won't let me.
Well, at least someone cares.
"He was born like this, dear.
Now let's get away before he asks us for money."
They walk away.
I won't ask them for money.
It's not like they'll care.
Even the kind little boy doesn't care now.
He's been brainwashed by his mum.
I'm cold, I'm lonely, I'm weak,
And I'm probably insane, but who knows?
At the end of the day,
No one cares.
Raz Benson 8GDS
Jordan
Sometimes I lie there, thinking of Jordan.
I'm ashamed not a tear once comes close to my eyes.
I can't put myself in his position,
I see only his face as he sits there and cries.
He slept on the street with no money or food,
Jumping at each opportunity he found.
But I only watched as his hunger sank in,
Saw his wry joy at the sight of a pound.
It tears at my heart when I imagine his pain,
Not stepping in when I could've helped out.
And it hurts when I visit his cardboard terrain,
Remembering his lonely and lost little shout.
Young Jordan was brave,
But I realised too late,
If he hadn't been poor
He'd have avoided his fate.
I've only just realised the truth of the matter.
These people are humans, exactly like us.
But it's us who are to blame for their dangerous situation,
Their unfortunate circumstance won't let them cause fuss.
Yes, sometimes I lie there, thinking of Jordan.
I'm ashamed not a tear once comes close to my eyes.
I can't put myself in his position,
I see only his face as he sits there and cries.
Chana Bernstein 7SRO
All Alone
Feet go by,
They rarely stop
Are they going to work?
Are they going to shop
I don't look up,
I'm too ashamed
My fault I wonder?
Or is society to blame
My mind's confused
By all the smells,
Cigarettes and coffee
My life is hell!
A cap beside me,
Upon the pavement lies
A crumpled note,
My plight describe
I have no money,
I have no home
No one to turn to
I'm all alone.
Feet go by,
They hardly stop
Loose change is thrown
I hear coins drop!
For hours I sit,
Amongst the grime
Daring to hope,
Is that such a crime?
Shivering, I wait,
Just sitting still
For coins to fall
And my cap to fill
Enough now,
I'm on my feet
Hot coffee to drink
Some food to eat
Nourished I return,
To my favoured place
Am I really part,
Of this human race?
Feet go by,
Are they going home?
Whilst I remain,
All alone.
Olivia Chody 7SRO
Everyone Else
Who has no home,
No money,
No happiness,
But £37 pounds to live on left?
Who has no life,
No help,
No chances,
But two kids and a drug habit?
Who wants a life,
Would welcome help,
And just some consideration,
But no one really cares?
Who could give help,
Support,
A life,
Or just a friend who listens?
Unfortunately I know who has no home,
Who has no help,
Who has no chances.
But is brave to be situated like so.
Fortunately I know who can
Give support,
A chance,
A helping hand:
Their name is everyone else.
Benjamin Wilson 9LR