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Sponsored by
Reflections – An Anthology of Poetry
‘The Garden’ watercolour by Jean Allen, resident of Richmond Villages
(Bupa retirement living) Northampton. Artwork created in Creative
Minds session with artist Lily Grob.
Sponsored by
Reflections
An Anthology of Poetry
March 2021
NAPA dedicates this
anthology to those
who – died, helped, are A day to reflect on a year – and loss – like no other,
to reach out to a friend who’s been grieving quietly at home.
forever changed A day to unite, to hope, be there for one another,
to remind the millions bereaved that they’re not alone.
Poppy Dillon- Marie Curie
www.napa-activities.co.uk / 3
Sponsored by
Donate Contents
NAPA is a national charity, we support the 9 Sally Knocker 36 Joyce Holliday / Joyce Tibbett
11 Lily Roubians 37 Kasia Patynowska / Kate Smyth
care sector to prioritise wellbeing and promote 13 Alice Scott / Ann Whitmore 38 Kath Tombs / Keith Frow
activity, arts, and engagement. 14 Anna Park / Bob, Nancy, and
Margaret
39 Kirsty Cartin / Len Cornish
40 Leonor Schaff / Lily Lay
If you enjoy this FREE download and would like to make a small donation to 15 Brendoncare Knightwood / 41 Linda Bose / Liz Richards
NAPA to support our work you can do so by text, scanning the QR code below, Bubbly Grubb
42 Lyn Fountain / Lynne Phair
by cheque to – NAPA, St Marys Court, Amersham, Bucks, HP7 0UT or you can 16 Charlotte Miller / Chris Maddocks
make a direct donation to our campaign – click here 43 Margarita and Dawn / Marjorie Webb
17 Chris Roberts / Chris Thompson
44 Martin Green / Maureen Wilkins
18 Nick Fewings
45 Mavis Powell / Michelle Williams
19 Christine Clarke / Danuta Lipinska
46 Min Marsh / Natalie Ravenscroft
20 David Woodhead / Dawn, Margarite,
47 Norman Brookes / Oliver Harding
+ To donate £1, text NAPA to 70201 Patricia, and Eve
48 Oliver Thomas / Paul Fulcher
21 Dianne Thumwood /
+ To donate £3, text NAPA to 70331 Dorothy Millinchip 49 Pam Haynes / Pat Cornwall
+ To donate £5, text NAPA to 70970 22 Dorothy Stevenson / Douglas Noble 50 Patricia and Dawn / Patricia and Eve
+ To donate £10, text NAPA to 70191 23 Edna Langford / Eileen Benton 51 Premal Bhatt / Residents of
Lavender Oaks
24 Residents of The Lawn
52 Residents of Liberty House care
25 Emma Hewat / Ena Hutton
Home / Residents of Marriott House
26 Enid Troubridge / Eve Kelly and Lodge
27 Gail Gregory / Gianna Burns 53 Sandra Walley / Sarah Lindsay
28 Gloria Haynes / Greta Venables 54 Sue Ascott / Sue Heiser
29 Gwen Groome / Heather Norman 55 Sue Smith / Sue Trischitta
30 Gareth Palmer 56 Sylvie Silver / Tilly Salter
31 Helen Baker / Hilary Woodhead 57 Tracy Hankey / Tracy Paine
32 Isobel Jones / Jack Thompson 58 Vic Rayner / Victoria Tischler
* Fundraising, payments, and donations will be processed and administered by the National Funding
Scheme (Charity No: 1149800), operating as DONATE. Texts will be charged at your standard network rate. 33 Jackie Poole / Jan Millward 59 Walter Ross / Wayne Roberts
For Terms & Conditions, see www.easydonate.org 34 Jennifer Dudley / Jenny Lawrence 60 Tips for writing poetry
35 Joy Wood / Joyce Baxtrem
Reflections – An Anthology of Poetry www.napa-activities.co.uk / 5
Sponsored by
A Time of Reflection
Since the first lockdown began ‘I miss him so much and writing about During the past year, more As a celebration of the care home
the loss and the pain was really sad but workforce who have given their hearts
in March 2020, hundreds of very helpful – thank you’.
than ever, Famileo has and souls to protect and care for the
thousands of people have We are proud to be able to share a poem
supported the care home most vulnerable, we want this book to
died. Too many lives have from every poet who submitted their workforce, helping them be available to all.
been cut short and millions reflections. Thank you to everyone who in their mission to support Please continue to care for each other,
have been bereaved. contributed and thank you for reading it. residents to remain connected and especially those who are the most
On 23 March, the first anniversary
We would also like to thank Famileo, to their families and friends. fragile and vulnerable, those whose
who sponsored the anthology and made wellbeing is so precious to us.
of the first UK lockdown. Our purpose is to fight loneliness and
it possible for us to make the e-book
Marie Curie; supported by NAPA and to recreate family bonds, by connecting Today there are many ways to show
available for free download.
hundreds of other organisations, led the people, families, and staff, that is why them your love and stay connected.
As we write, read, and share poetry we
National Day of Reflection, enabling us we decided to support this poetry book Find out more about Famileo here
may be reminded of personal loss and
to reflect on our collective loss, support and show our support and compassion.
change, this may be a powerful and
those who had been bereaved, and
uplifting experience, but it may also be
We see this poetry book as a way to Thank you.
share our hope for a brighter future.
upsetting. It is important that we take care
remember this chapter of our history. It The Famileo Team
In acknowledgement of the national allows us to express hope, pain and say
of ourselves and each other. We suggest
day, NAPA invited our members and goodbye to those we have lost, whilst
sharing these poems with someone you
supporters to write and/or support also celebrating the lives they have lived.
trust, perhaps over a cup of tea and to
someone else to write a quatrain (a take your time to connect and reflect. This book contains stories – “I miss you”,
4-line poem.) “I am feeling blue” but also “I love you”
If you need to talk to someone, you can
We encouraged poets to reflect on the contact the free NAPA Helpline on 0800 and “thank you”. In this way, it is similar
pandemic and their experience 158 5503 we can provide a listening ear to our Famileo gazettes, which contain
of lockdown. and signpost you to specialist support snaps of families’ lives, captured to share
We were amazed to receive hundreds services and helpful resources. joy with older relatives: happy moments,
of poems and moved by the impact the and important memories.
You can also call Marie Curie’s free
process had on many of the contributors. Support Line on 0800 090 2309 to
‘Thank you for encouraging me to stop, talk to a trained support line officer
think and reflect’. about practical and emotional concerns
‘This has been really therapeutic – of get ongoing support from a
thank you!’. bereavement volunteer.
‘It’s been lovely to remember her, as Thank you.
she was. Hilary
Reflections – An Anthology of Poetry www.napa-activities.co.uk / 7Sponsored by
A Few Words
During lockdown and as a result National Day of Arts in Care Homes. In the
of Covid-19, many of us have seen words of their Head Chef Michael Bolger:
how important meaningful activity,
creativity and the arts are. “Poetry takes the things we find A picture paints 365 days of longing
We have learned first-hand how they difficult to put into words and says it
for us. Whether a poem is whispered
Mum says, “If only” as she reaches for her beloved.
can contribute to our wellbeing, health,
and happiness. The arts in particular in your ear just for you or is a great He says, “Do we have an axe to break the glass?” I
have offered us stimulation, escape, crashing marching band in the
solace, invigoration, and connection, middle of a shopping centre, poetry say, "good question”.
throughout the testing times we have moves us in unique ways, it can
all been living through. As an activity co- shake us up, it can delicately brush
ordinator from a care home said to us:
an arm or be a beaming smile that Sally Knocker
doesn’t apologise.”
“I don’t know how we would have
survived Covid-19 without the arts”. NAPA is very proud to share this new
collection of poems, compiled for The
Many people have turned to creative National Day of Reflection. It includes
pastimes, as a means of getting through pieces written by residents, staff, friends,
this period in time. We have enjoyed and families on the theme of Reflection.
all the beautiful rainbow window It is important that in our haste to move
art, admired painted pebbles left in forwards into happier times, we take a
parks, connected via zoom to sing, minute to stop and reflect on all that has
craft, dance and paint and relaxed passed, to remember the sacrifices and
by watching programmes such as hard work of so many and to honour
the wonderful Grayson’s Art Club. Art those that we have lost.
connects us, elevates us, and helps We hope that these poems connect
build communities. One of the art forms with you, make you smile and perhaps
we have seen used a lot in NAPA care even prompt a tear...
settings during this time is poetry. The
Poetry Takeaway, an arts organisation Alison Teader, Programme Director
who take poetry to new audiences, had NAPA, Arts in Care Homes
an extremely busy year which included Michael Bolger, Head Chef, The
setting a challenge for us on The NAPA Poetry Takeaway
Reflections – An Anthology of Poetry www.napa-activities.co.uk / 9Sponsored by
In the Daffodils
This day is more than one thing and all things within For all those who we did not know and yet will never forget:
its name, this day will be marked differently but our call
for it is the same,
We think of you today, in the moment we take to reflect.
This day will be the day that We plant hope into this pain.
For those who ensured that this moment, Will be
We proudly stand with Marie Curie Who have given us a way, written in time with love:
A way to feel connected when, Love in times of darkness, For all the new stars above,
We don’t know what to say, A way to shine a light for those, And love for all the everyday heroes, and for all those
Who will need it the most today. we wait to hug.
For those who have lost dear friends, and keep On the Day of Reflection, that is here to bring us
their memories near, together: We gather in hope for better times and for
those we will miss forever.
Whose “unstinting love” towards those in need
Will continue to grow kindness here. We will think of you in the light that shines from
our doors, candles, and windowsills,
We will wait for you throughout every Winter
For those who in life made ours beautiful,
And find you in the daffodils.
In their own unique ways,
Lily Roubians
When we make our yellow crafts
It is to show that the beauty of you stays, and when
all this darkness has passed, it will be memories of you
that remains.
Reflections – An Anthology of Poetry www.napa-activities.co.uk / 11Sponsored by
For our Margaret
Wind, wind heather gypsy whistling in my tree The froth of the goat’s milk, pail swings in your hand.
All the heart of he is tipsy at the thought of thee Flush-cheeked and glowing, at one with the land.
Sweet with scent of colour fresh with breath of sea Not trapped behind glass, air silent and still
Wind, wind heather gypsy whistling in my tree You’re free to soar high with the swifts on the hill.
Alice Scott Anna Park
I don’t want to! Missing
No! No! No!
If I had known as year would pass
I won’t ever give ago!
Before I next would hold you
Go Away!
I would have made that moment last
And so much I would have told you
Ann Whitmore
Bob Field, Nancy Davies, and Margaret Timms
Reflections – An Anthology of Poetry www.napa-activities.co.uk / 13Sponsored by
The silence in the air has been haunting and a
pause has been placed upon us.
A lonely place is lockdown
A virus of uncertainty and fear spreads among
No family or friends us all bringing loss and sadness.
But love is all around us Time now to stop again, be silent and prayer for
Our broken hearts will mend those who have wandered beyond the clouds.
Remember their faces, their voices, and their
music and together we shall not forget.
Brendoncare Knightwood
Charlotte Miller
Cry our tears I am still me
Sing our songs
The same face, the same smile
Soon be together
Dementia can’t hide
The roads been long!
Just see what’s in my heart and inside
You will be pleasantly surprised
Bubbly Grubb
I am still me
Chris Maddocks
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Living On In You
I want to love you, I try to care... When a loved one passes, there’s much sadness, loss and grief,
but my thoughts & actions, dread us with so much despair... But remember, they’ve just moved on and found their
inner peace.
Friends and families faces just don’t appear anymore,
They are locked behind, that Covid door. The woes and pains of our earthly world, have melted all away,
And they now enjoy the sunrise of a beautiful new day.
Chris Roberts
It is us, the loved ones left behind, that have a heavy heart,
For we have so much love for them, it’s hard to be apart.
But we can take solace, that within us they live on,
With all those happy memories, it’s only physically
they are gone.
So laugh at jokes they told you, remember the warmth
in their voice,
Feel the breeze brush your hair,
Think of all the happy times and let your heart rejoice.
The smell of the nice fresh air.
Blossom on trees are starting to show, You’ve shared their life and they’ve shared yours,
a gift that’s yours to keep,
The flowers will soon be starting to grow.
And you’ll always have a love for them, that runs
long and deep.
Chris Thompson
So say their name, tell stories, of times you shared together,
And find comfort in the fact that they live on in you forever.
Nick Fewings
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Some of our friends are not I am past the point of missing and
With us today but in our hearts instead, I fear seeing you. I am
they have never beyond the need for kissing. But
Been away. in my mind I still hear you.
Christine Clark David Woodhead
Of the many things lost or mislaid At the seaside
I miss your cooking most.
Sitting on the sand with a bucket and spade
And then, your piano, gently played.
With a nice big umbrella to give us some shade
Whilst now, in empty space, I burn the silent toast.
Along come the boys who want to play cricket
They’ll be angry cause we haven’t a wicket
Danuta Lipinska
Dawn Walker, Margarita Pascal, Patricia Graham
and Eve Kelly
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Hug!
Always a nice warm feeling, I miss my family most of all.
We’ve missed these like crazy since last year! I miss those who have now passed,
Can’t wait for a hug from our loved ones Their smiles and talking to them.
It won’t be long now ‘til they’re here! Most of all hearing them laugh.
Diane Thumwood Dorothy Stevenson
A cup of tea, I sit and stare Wanny
Thinking about the things we can’t all bear
Dark, deep eyes, still, watching, in her place, the rug on the floor
The people we’ve lost, the laughs, the fun
Wellies placed neatly, below coat, hanging on the rack
But their memory will live on in everyone.
The lead hangs, untouched beside the door
She sighs deeply, knowing her old friend will not be back
Dorothy Millinchip
Douglas Noble
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From my window
Everyone is in a mask From my window
We can’t tell what they say I watched the world stand still
I hope this will soon pass From Busy roads and towns
And the virus will go away To houses on the hill
The world shut down
Edna Langford There was nowhere to go
All we could see were
Pictures of rainbows
We’ve smiled and We’ve cried
We’ve laughed and we’ve stayed safe
We got through it all
With a smile on our face
The pubs were shut
To start the day’s routine, No concerts or shows
I always wake up early But we are still here
Look forward to a lovely chat Thanks to our Superheroes
With my friend called Shirley! The sun is coming out
The virus will go away
Eileen Benton I will continue to hold hope
Until that beautiful day
A poem by the residents of The Lawn
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A Simple Prayer
When the world shrank to a screen and a room Give us sunshine, birds, and flowers
and torrents of news, anxiety, gloom Trees and streams and happy hours,
Chats with new-found old friends in green fields Take care of those we love the best,
and heroes and hope were a salve and a shield. And give us patience to put up with the rest!
Emma Hewat Enid Troubridge
Look forward not behind, When we first met
Days are glowing,
When we first met
Hopes in hand,
I told him I was in debt
One jab, life on the mend.
He said I have no money
So, you better start running, honey
Ena Huttone
Eve Kelly
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Zoom
Another hour of shopping Loving the springtime green and yellow
Another hour of gloom Resting in peace with the light so mellow
I can’t wait for eleven Thankful for an abundance to share
Then it’s time to zoom Aware of the limits and restrictions elsewhere.
Gail Gregory Gloria Haynes
Missing Moments It may seem like we are all being forced apart
but my family will always fill my heart.
Meeting up with family & friends,
It’s been a long time since I have seen their smile
Like a distant memory now,
Let’s all keep going we will get there in a while.
Longing for this to end,
Let’s get back to that, somehow
Greta Venables
Gianna Burns
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Connections
I love the smell of the bonfire From out of the blue
On a cold winter’s night Connection denied
Makes me feel cheery and warm No hugs or kisses
As loved ones died
Happy and bright.
Technology became
Gwen Groome Our way to connect
As we relied on computers
For a means to reflect
The nation gave thanks
Every Thursday with bangs
With battered old pans
In our care homes all over the land
In loving memory of those we’ve lost,
Waiting and hoping for the dark times to pass
Every day we’re still counting the cost, Connections remade
Of each mother, father, daughter, and son, Though divided by glad
Irreplaceable – everyone.
But all was not lost
The menace given a shove
Heather Norman
For it would be beaten
With a vaccine
And love
Gareth Palmer
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‘2021’
2020, that was the year that everything changed, A year full of sadness, a year full of tears,
Routines, disruptions, adjustments felt strange, A year when we’ve had to march right through our fears
Friends and family left us and for now were apart, But a year full of love, of hope and good weather
You’re the fondest memories cradling our heart A year where we’ve shown what we can achieve altogether.
Helen Baker Isobel Jones
Platforms, concourses – all deserted Beginning an adventure,
An empty backpack; a locked front door Learning new things together,
A catastrophe-crisis nearly averted Sharing knowledge,
Your ticket expired the month before We will always remember
Hilary Woodhead Jack Thompson
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You Do Know Me
When you can’t recall my name or Days shared together
how in your life I play a part Memories of the past
Don’t look for me in your head, do not despair Thoughts, dreams and wishes
You will find me in your heart These are the things that last
Jackie Poole Jennifer Dudley
A little snowdrop made me smile The countryside in Newbury
And it had been a little while In my childhood days
It gave me strength; it gave me hope Lots of lovely memories of seeing
And then I realised, I could cope. horses stride away.
Jan Millward Jenny Lawrence
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Walking through the bluebells, The Easter bunny is on his way
The perfume oh so sweet. I can’t wait for that special Sunday.
It feels like a carpet, Chocolate, cakes, ice cream and sweets
Underneath my feet! These are all of my favourite treats.
Joy Wood Joyce Holliday
Nobody coming in, nobody going out. Virtual hugs and cuddles is all we can have
Covid is what it is all about. Grandchildren growing up and missing it all.
Seeing family through a window Shopping has become a thing of the past.
or talking on a phone. Roll on normality.
Joyce Baxtrem Joyce Tibbett
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Those who leave us A Cup of Tea!
All people leave a trace behind them First thing in the morning,
but some people leave a mark on us Last thing at night,
They make us better persons Best drink any time of day
and their legacy lives on Keeps the nation going with all its might!
Kasia Patynowska Kath Tombs
On this day of reflection as we think of those lost I am writing a poem today
We remember with sadness what Covid has cost. It’s all a bit of a tease
Yet their memories live on and bring comfort and cheer I really have nothing to say,
As we look back on their lifetime and not just this past year. So do come and help if you please.
Kate Smyth Keith Frow
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The Blackthorn, so bare and unwelcoming When I am happy, I dress cute,
Has blossomed once more. But when I am sad, I dress blue
Let us learn to bloom again, When I am with friends, I dress white,
To unfurl after the harshest winter. When I am at a party, I dress colourful.
Kirsty Cartin Leonor Schaff
Mums’ Law By the window birds in sight
Sky is blue clouds are white
Wipe your feet and shut the door!
Sun is shining. Very bright!
Mind your P’s and Q’s!
Don’t tell lies, or answer back,
Lily Lay
Mum’s law was the rule!
Len Cornish
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We made this our home Strangers in the Night was playing on the radio
In which we can roam When the final phone call came
Looking to the garden And took you back, back to the night
It does feel like home .... You met and fell in love.
Linda Bose Lyn Fountain
Your strong lithe being, tis no more, Shopping for a neighbour
But in my memory, it will remain. Gym by Zoom to keep fit
Our life of love, Volunteering Vaccinator
And free from pain. Simply doing my bit.
Liz Richards Lynne Phair
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What I miss most
What I miss most It took a pandemic to show us
Is being by the coast What now we all know
With the sun shining bright That we need other people
It’s an utter delight To live, thrive and grow.
Margarita Pascal and Dawn Walker Martin Green
At this time of year, we are busy thinking about Rough are the knots to the trap
sowing seeds for the spring. The lobster must not escape
We live in a care home and with the help of Norm He needs food and money
I hope to bring lovely flowers into the home for summer. What does the lobster need?
Marjorie Webb Maureen Wilkins
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Beauty of the country Fold the napkins,
Lies within your heart Smell the food,
No matter where you are Warm and cosy,
It’s with you from the start Time for a snooze.
Mavis Powell Min Marsh
For every ‘You’ I stand against the wardrobe wall.
I hold the sobs, but the tears do fall.
I clapped on my doorstep to celebrate you
I hear the buzzer and I am all a flutter.
I cried my tears and grieved for you
I replace with a smile and do not mutter.
I waved and blew kisses through screens to you
I miss you and can’t wait to see you
Natalie Ravenscroft
Michelle Williams
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Was it really so long ago? Connie. 99 and Yorkshire
How strange, it seems like yesterday, Covid struck before her Queen knew of her.
We were in so strange a land, 70 years married, Les his name
And felt a tension rising. For he and the family, life never the same
Norman Brookes Oliver Thomas
Set aside your difference, whatever it may be, Feeling isolated, feeling far from fine
Join together not only this day but eternally I can look all around me at the wonders that are mine
We’ll never be ashamed to cry I feel my spirits lift through the love that’s given me
For those gone and those left behind who couldn’t So much joy and comfort in the beauty that I see
say their goodbye
Pam Fulcher
Oliver Harding
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What I miss most
Memories of you Sharing a smile with my family
Pies in the book With hugs and kisses to hold
Those were the days Creating new memories gradually
I’ve still got the look! When all of us start to grow old.
Pam Haynes Patricia Graham and Dawn Walker
Spring is almost here Flying planes
I could shed a tear.
Up in the sky
I can’t wait for the sunny days ahead
Flying so high
I will be in the garden on the sunbed.
Please don’t crush
Or else I’ll die
Pat Cornwall
Patricia Graham and Eve Kelly
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A cup of tea
A cup of tea Where the earth ends and the soul begins
Means a lot to me A place of power and peace in which your spirit always spins
With a snack on the side Your universal rhythm reflected in each heartbeat
That I cannot hide The Song of your love and life, in memory forever complete
Patricia Graham, Daphne W and Eve Kelly Premal Bhatt
When we first met The year 2020 wasn’t a good start
People all around starting to depart
I remember dearly
Be nice to see family close to our hearts
The day I met you,
For a tea dance with tea and tarts
It was raining heavily
And I even lost one shoe
Residents of Lavender Oaks
Patricia Graham, Margarita Pascal, and Alex Vasile
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Come walk with me for a while The sun will shine again the clouds will fade
hold my hand as you smile The memories will remain forever
In the park we will sit Time will move on be thankful for life
while watching the children trying to skip Because we are all stronger together
Residents of Liberty House Care Home Sandra Walley
Pandemic Courage of the staff
Shine a light into our life
This pandemic has controlled our lives in more ways than one,
Helps us cope with whatever comes
Stealing our days and happiness by splitting families apart,
Whether it be for joy or for strife.
But now that we are moving on there’s one thing we must do,
Remember those we lost this year and the things that
they could do. Sarah Lindsay
Residents of Marriott House and Lodge
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Let’s take a moment, let’s stop and pause, In loving memory.
To reflect upon the year that was and all we’ve laid to rest,
You have gone up to heaven
As we think of all the bad we’ve seen and the price
so many paid, We are now apart
Let’s be grateful for the good that’s shown humankind But for always and forever
at its absolute best. You will be in my heart
Sue Ascott Sue Smith
I’ve lost David and Rosemary Another day passes, another day gone
I can’t hold Jakey and Ethan More flowers in the garden, birds still singing their song
But inside Olivia Sounds of nature all around,
A new life is growing. How I long to be in a very, very large crowd
Sue Heiser Sue Trischitta
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Hearts of Love
Jenny Wren is nesting by our window Don’t be sad, for what you had
Gathering morsels to make a home for her young The love you shared, can’t be compared
Moments spent quietly watching Their memories live on, like a beautiful song
Reminders that life just goes on ........’ In our hearts they will stay, forever and a day
Sylvie Silver Tracy Hankey on behalf of Ashview Care Home
It was frightening At times it’s good to walk alone
The lightning struck violently And think of good or bad
And lit up the sky, But better to walk it hand in hand
I covered my eyes And reflect on what we had
Tilly Salter Tracy Paine
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Left to my own devices, silence is not a state I readily embrace
Filling my time, instead with busyness and noise
Cannot see any more smiles, as everyone is wearing a mask.
However, this year has changed things, opening up
Missing a pint in my local and seeing family and friends.
pockets of silence
Hoping for better times soon.
And in these pockets I find myself open – open to
reflect – open to mourn When covid is a thing of the past.
Vic Rayner Walter Ross
Daffodils bobbing in the breeze When will this lockdown hell be finished
Sun shining through the cloud So I can go down to the pub for a Guinness.
Through 365 days of restraint Meet all my friends, family and more
Gratitude and hope prevail It won’t be long till they open that door.
Victoria Tischler Wayne Roberts
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Write your own poetry Finishing your poem
If you have been inspired by these poems and would like
to write your own, here are a few tips.
+ Quatrains don’t need a title but add one if you think it will
help the reader understand or enjoy your poem.
Tips for writing Techniques + Be sure to put your name and the date on it.
+ Leap straight in – don’t overthink it. + Focus on small everyday items or
events – things that people recognise.
+ Keep it really simple – don’t try Writing prompts
to say too much. + Appeal to the one or more of
the senses – sound, smell, touch, Here are some ideas for your poems, try one of these, or one of your own:
Tools taste, sight.
A cup of tea My mother’s favourite song
+ Be confident – your writing will be
+ Use rhyme to make your poem
original and interesting to others. At the seaside When we first met
memorable and easy to read
+ Repeat key words to give your Flowers in a vase What I miss most
poem strength
+ Try making lists: they can
be effective Take care
Writing poetry and remembering those
we love can be upsetting. If you need
to talk to someone about any aspect of
the process, you can contact the NAPA
Helpline, we can provide a listening ear
and signpost you to extra support and
helpful resources.
Reflections – An Anthology of Poetry www.napa-activities.co.uk / 61You can also read
