World Book Week Poetry Anthology

The Moulsford English Department proudly presents:

World Book Week Poetry Anthology

Contents Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..p.1 Class Poem Winners The Bobcat Bomber’s Adventure (Bobcats) ……………………………………………………………………….p.2 The Dragon’s Village (6B) ………………………………………………………………………………………………….p.2 The Great Pyramid (3H) …………………………………………………………………………………………………… p.3 Individual Winners My World by Jack Prior ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. p.4 The Match by James Hart ………………………………………………………………………………………………… p.4 School by James Thorne ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. p.5 Scared by Arthur Brock ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. p.6 Spring by Toby Clarke ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… p.6 Lego Castle by Olivier Wrobel ……………………………………………………………………………..………….. p.6 Swan by Oliver Howell ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…… p.7 Where my Shadow Goes by Henry Sadler-Smith ……………………………………………………………… p.7 The Dead Night by Oliver Harvey ………………………………………………………………………………..…… p.8 The Cold by Archie Hedges ………………………………………………………………………………………………. p.9 Sun / Moon by Joe Rhodes ………………………………………………………………………………….………… p.10 The Changing River by Alex Riley ……………………………………………………………………………….…. p.10 All is Quiet, All is Silent by Jude Slater …………………………………………………………………………… p.11 Silent by Will Sandbach ………………………………………………………………………………………………... p.11 Heaven by Hugo Carr ……………………………………………………………………………………………….…… p.12 The Kettle by Oliver Sale ………………………………………………………………………………………………. p.13 Summer’s Day by Daniel Gosney ……………………………………………………………………………….…. p.13 Exams by Oscar Taylor ………………………………………………………………………………………….……… p.14 Class Poem Runners Up The River (5JT) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… p.15 Abstract Senses (4S) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. p.17 The Night (8R) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……. p.18 The Wider World (7N) ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. p.19

Introduction Following the mayhem and literary chaos of World Book Week 2015, it has been a real pleasure to take stock and revisit some of the boys’ writing from the week. The theme of the week was poetry, and there is always something so exciting and fresh about the act of reading and writing poetry.

The poems are personal reflections from the boys at Moulsford, and read as wonderful expressions of boyhood. In the words of the American poet Robert Frost, “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” It is no surprise therefore that the collection begins with the Bobcats poem about journeying into space, or that 6B’s winning senior poem is a terrifying description of a dragon, or even that Year Three boys write with fervent passion about scoring goals and running out to break!

However, writing poetry also affords a wonderful opportunity for the boys to flex their creative muscles and this anthology displays a number of poems that strive towards detail, description and depth. There are incredible descriptions of nature and the wider world, and there are also moments of pensive thought that belie the age of some of our poets.

One of my favourite poetry quotes comes from Samuel Taylor Coleridge who describes poetry as using, “the best words in their best order.” Poetry’s sparse use of the ‘best words’ creates an art-form that is extremely accessible and I do hope that this anthology is enjoyed by both young and old alike. Many congratulations to those boys whose poems have been included and long may poetry continue to provoke the imaginations of the boys at Moulsford.

Richard Martin Head of English Moulsford Prep School

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Class Poem Winners Pre-Prep Winner - Bobcats The Bobcat Bomber’s Adventure Rockets blast off into space They want to land on Mars The spacemen climb out onto land And into red space cars They need to search for aliens And find one big and hairy They want to drive away from him Because he is so scary!

Senior Winner - 6B The Dragon’s Village Through the moonlight came A crimson unrelenting ball of flame, Followed by a fearsome head, frenzied eyes, Thunderous, frantic wings, Scales of armour, a death-spike tail.

The villagers in chaos, A kaleidoscope of terrified screams, Scattered movements of confusion and terror, Thatched roofs smoulder and smoke, In the fields the wheat grains burn.

One brave knight reaches for his bow, His arrow rebounds off the scales, As his final act before he departs, The dragon incinerates the hero With an inferno of flame.

A village once thriving, Now left in ash and ruins.

No heroes, no hope, no leaders.

The dragon returns, No guilt, no tears, no remorse.

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Junior Winner - 3H The Great Pyramid The ancient and dusty tombs. Standing still for over 3000 years. Hot under the burning sun.

Its stands like a beacon, as bright as a diamond.

Beside the River Nile runs- cyan as the heavens above us.

The scarab beetle scuffles, it’s power greater than Anubis. The Great Pyramid.

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Individual Form Winners My World by Jack Prior (3H) I like to look at…

Digby my dog causing pandemonium when I see him, The sun going down over the horizon, The trees leaves blowing in the whistling wind.

I like to listen to…

The birds singing their glorious songs of life, The radio blasting magic music, The laughter of children playing in the park and shouting.

I like the smell of…

Roast potatoes being cooked in the oven all crispy and crunchy, Candy floss being made into a puffy pink cloud, Melted chocolate so sweet and smooth.

I like the taste of…

Candy canes minty and memorable, sweet and stripy, Popping candy in my mouth popping like bullets of a machine gun, Jelly beans all different colours like a taste rainbow.

All the colours running around my mouth.

I like to touch…

The metal or the fireplace, the flames flickering inside, Cold ice on a roasting day, Cotton wool as soft as a leopard’s skin.

The Match by James Hart (3C) Skill, pass, score! to make the crowd go wild!

Save, deflect, boot it away! to make the crowd scream!

Charge quickly down the line to cross! to make the crowd jump out of their seats Amazed!!

Shoot! Score! Win the match! to make the crowd cheer with happiness!

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School by James Thorne (3B) Coming into school, Pencils snapping and Mrs Noble clapping.

Break! Yes Freedom!

Seeing footballs getting kicked.

Match Attax being traded.

Sitting in my chair learning, Hearing little boys screaming outside.

Mmm lunch scrummy.

The taste of fish and chips.

Plus the ‘Moulsford Goo’!

Games, slipping, kicking, scoring.

The touch of the wet soggy grass.

Going home, saying goodbye.

The sadness

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Scared by Arthur Brock (4A) I’m scared of the dark and I’m scared of tigers, Gigantic ones gliding, like a frog leaping and its canines tearing madly.

Clowns have pale, white faces, ruby red lips and big wigs.

I went to a sweet shop next to the old gallows tree, with butter yellow daffodils outside, I bought a sweet of great flavour and smell, it was quite a treat.

That night I had a dream, sweets made beats and everything crumbled.

Spring by Toby Clarke (4F) Spring means bright yellow daffodils, standing proud and tall on window sills.

Symbolising new life, cutting through winter’s darkness like a knife.

In the garden, the brave bulbs start to peer, lifting our hearts and giving us cheer.

Giving people happiness and joy, men remembering when they were boys.

In the fields around, the sheep are breeding, frisky lambs skipping and feeding.

The sun shining on the frosty grass, Is a cruel reminder that spring weather can be harsh.

Lego Castle by Olivier Wrobel (4S) The Lego knights, Have fearsome fights, When were not there.

But when we giants come, We break their castle walls And so their enemies can break through.

We giants should take care, And not make holes there, Or the castle gets invaded.

But children don’t use their brains, And sometimes nothing remains, Except a pile of bricks.

The little people suffer, Because they don’t have homes.

So please look after our Lego!

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Swan by Ollie Howell (5JT) White, feathered Gliding, hissing, nipping King of the river Elegant

Where my Shadow Goes by Henry Sadler-Smith (5L) I got up in the morning with my mum calling me, But then I notice something strange, no shadow following me.

Oh where, oh where has my shadow gone? It’s all rather strange, I think he must be bored of school and always following me.

But he must be at school, he must surely be, but now I have looked and he isn’t here and it’s almost time for tea.

Could he be in the ocean, swimming with the whales, or on a pirate ship hoisting up the sails?

Or could he be in Africa, gambling with gazelles, or with a wicked wizard casting lots of spells.

“It’s time to go home,” announces Mrs Ink, I pack my bag to go home, I really need to think.

When I get home I take a snack up to my room, my shadow surprises me and pops out of the gloom.

Shadow told me he had discovered treasure, and I was pleased to see his pleasure.

“Think of me as a friend,” he said shaking me by the hand, “I just needed a day away, I hope you understand” “But why did you come back to me when you could have adventures instead?”

“It’s not that I want to quit, it’s just I need my bed!”

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The Dead Night by Oliver Harvey (5MT) Trapped.

In a prison-like room, Dark and gloomy.

Branches of trees tapping on the window Like dead fingers scraping across my door, Thunder missed by a blinking eye, White cracked lines in the black sky, The full moon staring at me With a giant bulging eye, My heart just a grain of sand on a lonely beach, Beyond the door at the end of my room, My path to the outside world: A route of wolves howling through the night.

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The Cold by Archie Hedges (6S) Far in the dead, treacherous cold, Standing strong and standing bold, Men are dropping to their knees And feeling the sting of a hundred bees.

Bombs and bullets are in the air, Flying and killing everywhere.

The horrible scream and cries of pain, Fighting on to win the game, Just dying in the cold.

The trenches are shattered and pulled apart; Fight for the people who own your heart Your wife your kids and all the rest, They need you, so try your best, In the cold, the miserable cold.

The final push is seconds away, So concentrate, focus and end the day.

Fire your bullets and ready yourself, Because you are on the road to hell, In the cold, the miserable cold.

The end of the battle is in your hands, Armed with a gun, so show them who’s the man!

You ready your weapon, look through the scope And bang! They’re on the floor and drowning, In the cold, the painful cold.

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The Changing River by Alex Riley (6B) The soft flow of spring water runs between the banks, The sun’s heat gently bounces off water into sky, The swans calmly drift across water like angels, Calmly the swans jump onto the banks and fly away.

Suddenly the water turns from calm to furious!

By the second the water is getting worse and worse, In the distance a massive waterfall, A boat tips over the edge.

Now I know why the swans left.

Sun / Moon by Joe Rhodes (6F) SUN Bright, golden Burning, dying, illuminating Shedding light, daytime traveller // hidden in the dark, night-time visitor Refreshing, living, reflecting Dark, silver MOON

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All is Silent, All is Quiet by Jude Slater (7E) All is silent All is quiet but suddenly, first a whizz, and then a whoosh.

It’s quick and sharp in the dark night sky.

My eyes are dazzled with the great colours, the great height.

Higher, higher, higher than ever nearly as high as the heavens above.

Different shapes and different sounds a kaleidoscope of colour before slowing down and settling down.

All is quiet All is silent.

Silent by Will Sandbach (7N) Silent as the night he lies, Alive but unknown to many.

Awakes in the night sky, But never seen face to face.

All those who have tried to find him, Are not seen again by the Human Race.

He drifts in the quiet wind like a ghost, And disappears at the crack of dawn.

They call him The Beast Many people say he is a vampire, Disappearing at the softest click of a button; A cunning creature, invisible but believable.

Inhabitants say they have seen him, But I think not, Because if you had seen him.

You wouldn’t be standing here now.

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Heaven by Hugo Carr (7M) I pressed open the gate and stopped in awe, This was the place so often described, The home for the loyal people with faith, This was the land called heaven.

Children were smiling at every turn, Everything was arranged in stunning perfection, Everyone was equal, This was the land called heaven.

I felt out of reality, All those hours worth their while, Greatness was welcoming, This was the land called heaven.

Happiness filled every corner, Endlessness of joy, I finally felt a sense of belonging, This was the land called heaven.

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The Kettle by Oliver Sale (8R) Like a bubbling cauldron Sizzling, boiling, Mystical powers at the push of a button.

You try and control it, You leave an eye on it.

Its body a cauldron, A fire breathing dragon at one end, One mystical round handle at the side.

The earblistering sound.

Then, when it tips The bowels come spitting out, Leaking everywhere, waiting to burn your insides.

Summer’s Day by Daniel Gosney (8E) The warm summer breeze Wisps through my hair Animals dart between the trees Taking food back to their lair The beauty of the world makes me fall to my knees And thank God for all he has bestowed upon me.

The air that I breathe That’s been given to me It’s so cool in its nature Though full of toxins and impurities As I take my last breath I wish I could be free.

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Exams by Oscar Taylor (8D) ‘Why do we do exams, Sir? What is the meaning of them?

Whenever I do one I fail, Sir, I always get three out of ten.’

‘They’re to test your overall knowledge, boy, To raise your personal achievements To see if you listen in class, boy, In English, in Maths, in French.’

The boy had never liked learning, He thought it was a waste of time The boy didn’t realise that they would help him, His knowledge was never his prime.

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Class Poem Runners Up Junior 2nd Place - 5JT The River Watervole Silky-smooth, blunt-nosed Diving, small-eyed, sniffing Disguised by thick brown fur Scuba diver EUAN ENGLISH Toads Chubby, fat Swimming, jumping, splashing Basking on a lily-pad Colourful BARNEY NEWING Fish Small and scaly Swimming, turning, eating Gliding in my brain Quick GEORGE KENT Otter Sharp teeth, dirty brown fur Lying, floating, splashing Playful creatures swimming around Skilful BEN MASTERSON Swan White, feathered Gliding, hissing, nipping King of the river Elegant OLLIE HOWELL Lock Tall, chipped Moving, draining, labouring Boats of time passing Shut NOAH COWAN Goose Big, scary Flying, landing, discovering Loves to fly high 15

Particular NOAH ELRINGTON Willow tree Swaying, bent-backed Growing, welcoming swishing Warming in my heart Friendly.

GIL BUSSELL Kingfisher Fast, nippy Eating diving, flying Swishing through the trees Fisherman BERTIE WITHERS GREEN Water Endless, reflective Fast-flowing, rippling, crashing Beautiful fast flowing liquid Fun HENRY STONE Fishermen Observant, sneaky, devious Cunning, hoping, catching Setting traps and praying for a catch Capturers LOUIS FAHEY Ducks Groups, chestnut brown Paddling, stealing, self-centred Selfish to all others Divers WILL JOHNSON Dragonfly Tiny, delicate, Hovering, landing, buzzing Flying, gliding everywhere together Pilot CHARLIE HODGSON Fish Fat, slippery Jumping, swimming, floating Biggest of them all Glinting OLLIE DENISON PENDER Islands Sandy and bare Alone, destroyed, upset 16

Needs to be investigated Deserted TYLER CHIDWICK Reeds Tall, emerald Rustling, waving, floating Standing high over fish Plants BEN ANDERSON

Junior 3rd Place - 4S Abstract Senses Happiness is yellow It smells like candy floss It tastes like strawberry jelly It sounds like laughing children It feels like being tickled Happiness lives in Legoland Anger is red It smells like burning petrol It tastes like blood, It sounds like dogs snarling It feels like stinging nettles Anger lives on the naughty step Love is pink It smells like wild flowers It tastes chocolate ice-cream It sounds like birds singing It feels like a warm hug Love lives on holiday Envy is green It smells like rotten apples It tastes like Brussel sprouts It sounds like showing off It feels prickly Envy lives in dark places

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Bravery is brown It smells like dragon’s breath It tastes like steak It sounds like crowds cheering It feels like swords crashing Bravery lives on the summit of Mount Everest Loneliness is grey It smells like damp emptiness It tastes like salty tears It sounds like the howl of a wolf It feels like cold rock Loneliness lives in a dark cave Luck is silver It smells like lottery tickets It tastes like clover It sounds like pennies falling It feels like sunshine Luck lives at the end of the rainbow

Senior 2nd Place - 8R The Night The violence of the night, Breaking dawn with spite, I peer out my chamber window Into the deepest night, I feel as if I’m being watched.

As I gazed towards the moon, Confused, alone, in the gloom, The lighting thunders down With a monstrous sound, As if the wrath of God has come upon us.

Out of the gloom I saw the shadow Lurking towards me ever so slow, The shadow lingered upon my chamber door, As I peered toward the darkness I saw…

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Senior 3rd Place - 7N The Wider World Take a gamble; One small step is all that is necessary.

It could be fatal, But it could come off; One small step into the wider world.

You can prepare for the future, But you can’t stop it happening; It’s like the consistency of the waves, You can rise up, you can come crashing down, With one small step into the wider world.

Outside our world is unforgiving; People rule with an iron fist, And danger lurks around each corner.

You never know who to trust, Outside our sheltered world.

Our life is protected From the terrible truth, Yet beyond this place, The truth can kill Outside our sheltered world.

The wider world What really is it?

What lies beyond the fun and games?

What secrets lie beyond the boundaries Of the wider world?

The wider world, Where money rules, Where people fight with guns and knives.

When will it stop; The fighting, in the wider world?

The way you work is essential; You must work to progress in life.

Without this you will fade away.

With belief, you will be rewarded; The wider world is where you start.

Struggling children in Africa, Dying with no spark, 19

With no food or aid in life.

They try to work, with no reward; They live in the wider world!

We don’t know what’s out there, Beyond the shrubs and bushes.

We often wonder what we will find: Crime? Poverty? Contentment?

I guess we may never know.

Beyond the outskirts of our country Our treasures unexplored Happiness not yet unleashed Or darkness not yet disappeared The wider world could be good or bad.

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