Who would have guessed that a small tree

could be so vicious. All day you had kicked

the new football back and forth against

the gable of the red brick terrace and

not even the promise of ice cream could

coax you away, until the Blackthorn spoilt the game.

That’s when you ran back, holding the thing

with your thumb pressed white against its skin.

You begged me for some...

Read and leave comments (2)

Miss Gladstone’s eyes are more severe

Than other teachers teaching here.

They swivel round then settle firm

on pupils who begin to squirm.

Like searchlights on a prison tower

Miss Gladstone’s eyes don’t look, they glower.

Not searchlights, no, more laser beams

that burn enough to make you scream.

Heads down, the class daren’t catch her eye

for fear that if they...

Read and leave comments (2)

Calling budding Michael Rosens

Could you write a poem for primary school children? As part of our new initiative - Marsden, the Poetry Village – we’ve inspired local primary schools to bring poetry even more into the pupils’ routine. Not that they took much persuading, as the schools we have spoken to so far are clear of the value and the fun of poetry for children. Marsden Junior School has cr...

Read and leave comments (3)