with Nina De Rosa

Students had the privilege of working with Harry Laing, yesterday, a poet, children’s author, creative writing teacher and comic performer.

His published works include: Thirst (1993) and Backbone (2010) and my first book as a children’s author is Shoctopus–poems to grip you (2015) a book of illustrated poems for 6-12 yr olds.

Harry has the ability to get people writing whatever their age and stage. Staff were amazed and delighted by the quality of writing in the workshop yesterday.  I hope you all enjoy reading a small selection:

CURTAIN:

I’m sick of looking at all your disgusting faces.

You really are all disgraces

You are always tugging at me

And are always throwing slugs at me!

I really don’t get why I open and close;

I’d rather be used for sunning clothes!

-Elizabeth Yr 6

Piano

I’m so bored. I’m so tired of little kids trying

to play me but failing so miserably.

But that’s not the worst part they slam their fingers on my

keys so hard that I’m surprised I’m not broken.

When they're not playing me I dream.

I dream about being played by a pianist that presses

so gently that he barely makes a sound, and plays so

beautifully that I’m proud to be his piano.

But it’s just a dream.

By Samantha Yr 6