In preparation for National Poetry Day, my friend, Karen, has recorded me reading one of my poems, Puddles in the Playground from Double Talk, and turned it into a video, and here it is.
National Poetry Day 3 October 2013
National Poetry Day is an annual event. This year the theme is Water.
If you’re a teacher, there are resources available to help you think about what you could be doing with your class or school here: http://www.forwardartsfoundation.org/national-poetry-day/resources/lesson-plans/
Also information on the Poetry Society’s website here: http://www.poetrysociety.org.uk/content/info/npd/
Of course the way to really bring your lessons alive is to book a poet for the day.
Here’s a rondel from my book Wanted Alive, also available with a picture on blipfoto.com.
Something To Look Forward To
Someday the sun will shine.
We’ll step out and not get wet.
One day, but not just yet,
the weather will be fine.
That day will be yours and mine.
We’ll sunbathe. Joyfully sweat.
Someday the sun will shine.
We’ll step out and not get wet.
So don’t grumble. Don’t whine.
Don’t lose hope. Don’t fret.
Things will get better. You bet.
Look for an omen. A sign.
Someday the sun will shine.
We’ll step out and not get wet.
World Book Day, March 7th 2013 A day of poetry at Northlands Primary School, Rugby
A big thank you to Northlands Primary School, Rugby for delaying World Book Day by 24 hours. Car trouble prevented me from getting there for the official event and, just like that, the school happily moved my visit to the following day.
As the photograph illustrates, on a snowy day the welcome couldn’t have been warmer.
I worked with all age groups and we had a brilliant get together before school ended to listen to new poems written and performed by the children. It was fantastic that we were joined by many parents for that.
Thanks again to the school for looking after me so well and producing some great poems.
Great visit on 25th Feb to Ribbon (Merton Community Primary School) doing Road Safety Poetry
It would seem from the write up here that the visit was a success.
“On Monday 25th February 2013 poet Bernard Young came into our school. Bernard Young is a poet who helps pupils learn about road safety in a fun and innovative way through the medium of poetry.
He began the day performing a selection of his own poems and talking to us about the different styles of poetry. For the rest of the day each class were working on class poems with help from Bernard Young, ready for a presentation in the hall at the end of the day where each class would present their poems to the rest of the school.
We also had a visit from the Area Road Safety Officer to give us a road safety talk, accompanied by the Junior Road Safety Officers.” Read more…
Teaching Road Safety Through Poetry
This February and March, I am happy to be visiting schools in North Yorkshire and Durham again with the Road Safety staff, getting the message across to young people through the medium of poetry.
Lady Lollipop
Lollipop Lady
Lady Lollipop
She’s got the power
To make the traffic stop
When she steps out
With her lollipop sign
The people on the pavement
Sure feel fine
They know they can go
They’ll be OK
‘Thank you very much’
Is what they all should say
To the lollipop lady
Lady Lollipop
She’s got the power
To make the traffic stop
She’s there for me
She’s there for you
Standing in the rain
Doing what she’s got to do
She makes it safe
For us to cross
Halts all the traffic
Shows who’s boss
It’s the lollipop lady
Lady Lollipop
She’s got the power
To make the traffic stop
She’s the lollipop lady
Lady Lollipop
And she’s got the power
She’s got the power
She’s got the power
To make the traffic…STOP!
From Wanted Alive by Bernard Young, Hands up Books 2004
Poetry all year, please, not just for National Poetry Day!
Closing Down
Haiku – in a bin
at the bottom of the aisle
next to the sonnets.
Limericks have had their day
It’s clear they’ve got nothing to say
Some find them rude
Vulgar and crude
They’re free if you’ll take them away
Free Verse is draped all over the shop.
Although it’s free
there is a modest charge
for each clump of words.
Cinquains
are down aisle five.
You can hear them counting
their syllables. Eight in this line.
Buy two?
A brilliant present
12 Poems from “Brilliant” by Bernard Young now available as a calendar from Red Bubble. A perfect gift. Calendars are printed to order and can be started at any month £20.88 plus postage.
New video ‘Zoot’ for National Poetry Day 4 October
In 2012, UK National Poetry Day is on Thursday 4 October. The theme is STARS. Be a star, read, write or buy some poetry.
Not for children: New Book “Outside Looking In”
My latest book is now available to buy online from Lulu. It is £13.95 plus postage (which in the UK is £2.99 for one copy, but check the site for confirmation). This is not a book aimed at children. There are 61 pages of beautiful images and words about life, relationships, growing old, dreams, loss and love. There is a full preview available online if you can see the preview button to press. Hope you like it and do tell your friends. Christmas is coming…
Bernard Young Poet 