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BITTERSWEET A little book of lockdown poems

INTRODUCTION

A collection of collaborative poems inspired by the pandemic. Written by the students of Fintona Girls’ School.

Collaborative poetry is an alternative and creative technique in writing poetry by more than one person. For this project, students from Prep to Year 12 were asked to write one line about their experience of the Pandemic, lockdowns, and remote learning. The girls’ words were then arranged to create a single poem. One teacher described them as ‘bittersweet’, hence, the title of this ‘little book of lockdown poems’. Interspersed amongst the poetry are a selection of art works that were created by our students throughout this year. I hope you enjoy reading the poetry and viewing the art as much as I did. Thank you to Pamela Young whose initiative it was, and energy it took, to realise this project.

Rachael Falloon Principal A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

PREP

Home I like seeing all my friends every day on the computer. The fun parts are playing with my brother. My room gets a bit messy when I am at home! I play lots with my little sister. My family and I play games. I go to the park, it is very close. I make things with my Mum.

BITTERSWEET

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

YEAR 1

What I did and did not enjoy I enjoyed that we got to see each other online each day staying at home doing our school learning together. I enjoyed having my birthday party at home celebrating my friend’s birthday being able to go to the park and see my friends and grandparents. I did not enjoy that I could not play with my friends that we were not able to go to school being in lockdown.

I did not enjoy that we could not go out being stuck at home. I enjoyed that I could have fun going out to play and run celebrating my birthday at home with a unicorn theme. I enjoyed having fun with my teachers online being able to see and spend time with my family picnics in the park.

I enjoyed playing in the playground not going anywhere seeing my friends online each day seeing some of my friends at the playground and park. 4

BITTERSWEET

YEAR 2

Colours of Remote Learning Red is joyful like remote learning. Like a sweet apple for a snack. Red is relaxing. Red makes me sleepy. It feels like a beautiful dress and smells like freshly cooked food. It looks black and white because I must stare at a screen all day and it hurts my eyes. Sometimes it feels grey and heavy, like rain clouds, because I miss my teachers and friends so much. Grey, reminds me of playing together in the classroom. It can look blue because I always see blue things and my pyjamas are blue.

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

Blue is a sad colour and reminds me of my friends. Blue, because I cannot even play with them. Remote learning feels safe cause we are at home. Orange because some of us might not be in class. Orange is a sleepy colour. Yellow, because sometimes we do happy things. It is the taste of a yummy banana, but sometimes remote learning is sad like the taste of sour lemon. The colour yellow is safe and warm like the sun. Yellow helps me remember my classmates and school. Sunny bright yellow, because I get to be with my family, and I get to sleep in and have lunches. Purple is warm as staying in bed.

YEAR 3

A Crazy Year In lockdown we have been through days, smooth and rough And some of us feel like we have had enough. We started school with such good cheer But now we can see it has been a crazy year.

The playing of puzzles, the laughing at jokes Winning at games with our favourite folks. Eating hot meals at every turn, Thanking our teachers for all that we learn.

No places to run, more time on screens Trying to keep our bedrooms clean. The nighttime curfews, the playgrounds got closed Seeking answers to the questions we posed.

Walking the streets or riding our bikes Exploring the neighbourhood, we always like. Seeing the world right outside our door Noticing things, we have not noticed before.

Microphones on mute, the glitches on Zoom And all the time being stuck in our rooms. The friends that we miss, the activities we planned Going to the parks, if only we can.

We can be positive and grateful for all these things It is true, ‘Tiara Tuesday’ has a fabulous ring. If we look on the bright side, the future is clear Stay strong and be patient for all we hold dear.

Every day there is lockdown, it can be good or bad If we enjoy everything in the world, we all feel glad. We can feel happy, for more hours at home Spending time with our families rather than roam.

BITTERSWEET

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

YEAR 4

Remotely Speaking A virtual dance party end of Term 3 Improving computer skills discovering talents we did not know we had.

Finding out more about our strengths weaknesses and how to learn in new ways.

Enjoying a sleep in staying up late with our families Board games discovering new hobbies.

Exploring new book genres extra time on our hands Leaving the house at lunchtime enjoy the sunshine.

Using technology new ways to learn Troubleshooting and exploring our creativity.

Looking forward to being back together again We have found ways to enjoy our days in remote learning.

BITTERSWEET

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

YEAR 5

What Lockdown Brings We get hot lunches We get to sleep in We get to spend time with our family We get more free time. We get to adapt to a new environment We got to learn new skills We learn at our own pace and time We have become technology stars. We got extra breaks We realised who we really are, our passions and our dreams We got to find a new hobby We learned to believe in ourselves and persevere. We learned more about everyone in this classroom As we got to spend time with each other in breakout rooms We realised life is not about waiting for the storm to pass But learning how to dance in the rain.

BITTERSWEET

Looking Up in Lockdown We have been in lockdown for quite a while, It is getting hard to raise a smile, but still live your life.

Even the pocket-sized time spent face-to-face, can make a gratifying difference to your day. No matter what you do, you have to at least try.

It is easy to be downhearted, the joyful moments are a choice only you can make.

Home is the nicest world there is.

There is always a solution, even if at first, the solution cannot be found. Let today be the day you think about who you have been, and who you CAN become.

Just take each day step by step because hard times do not last forever. There have always been times like this. There is always an exit. We will get through this.

Keeping in touch with friends fastens this difficult time. Best friends are the key to speeding things up. Best friend, what beautiful words … Switch something up and notice how you feel. Open a book and travel away from reality. Create balance between healthiness and binging Anime.

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

YEAR 6

Bright Side Look on the bright side of life Have a happy and hopeful mindset, I have learnt to be organised. I have learnt to have a clean and comfortable workspace. I have learnt to be patient and do not rush into anything. To use persistence as a weapon. Do not take things for granted. Do not fuss over little things and see the bigger picture. Do not ever let someone tell you that you cannot do something. Do not be negative and look at the positives. But always seek help when you need it. Adapt and be flexible. Be determined to try everything. Always look at the positive and not the negative. Make the most of the good moments. Spend quality time with your family. Always appreciate the things you already have. Be productive and use your time well. Stay true to yourself, no matter whatever happens. Never forget what you want to do in this world to make it a better place. Do what makes you happy. 12

BITTERSWEET

Remember Pandemic raging all over the world. Bad things happen. In life sometimes you just need to accept that. Be patient, stay calm, think logically. Panic will not help anything. Remember to stay positive; organised. Get help from parents or teachers when needed. Do what you like when the toughest times battle against you. Go outside and get fresh air and enjoy the upsides of online learning. Do what you like to keep yourself happy when circumstances are bad. If you are bored, put your good inside hobbies to use. If you are stuck, ask a question. Communicate and talk instead of not talking. Persist through the tough times and speak to those who can help you. When the world is against you, you can overlook those who are right in front of you. Remember, although we are apart, we can be together in different ways.

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

Community is most important. Remember, you are at your strongest when you feel like you are at your weakest. Remember. Keep a positive attitude; it will soon be over.

YEAR 7

Acceptance

Not So Bad

Human behaviour is not as good as I thought... you have to think not only of yourself. Technology is not everything. The world was not prepared to be locked down. Life cannot always be the way you expected it. Accept it and look on the bright side.

It is surprising. I am stronger than I realise. How different life can be, how quickly things can change. I have learned that humans can adapt to a sudden change of environment; going from outdoors and classrooms, to home and masks.

I have learnt to be grateful for things I used to take for granted. To adapt and make the most of everything. Change happens quickly, appreciate the moments you might not realise are important. Spending time with family is more fun than you can imagine. When the world really changes, you realise what you value and who is there for you. Even if you cannot do everything you want, try to live life. This shows how much free time I have.

Life is not always going to go to plan; things will change. I have learnt to be calm and not to let things affect my emotions. To have patience and hope. People are going through the same experience. It is not so bad, and some people have it worse. Whenever you feel down, never give up, even when times are hard. I will help others. There is always a solution, even when there seems to be none.

BITTERSWEET

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

Freedom Life can be a challenge, breaking through the curse of the overwhelming English. What used to be torture, is now anticipating hours of sitting in a classroom. Together, we can fly away from all those repeats. Stare at real life faces instead of boxes on a screen. Finally leaving my bedroom to see my friends again. Smiling from ear to ear when chatting to them.

dim glow of a restaurant. Sitting in the shop corner, eating with my friends. Seeing my best friend’s happy self again, brightens up my day. Laughter and joy fill the air as friends and family gather. Slipping on the pavement of my grandparents’ house, falling into their warm embrace. Having a smile on my face when I see them all. The wind brushes my face as I enjoy a fresh fancy coconut. In the view of the vibrant blue sea.

Delayed birthday catch-ups, showing off a brand new pup. Going to get bubble tea again, or a meal of noodles. The pleasure of eating deliciously salty movie popcorn. Stepping into the welcoming 16

BITTERSWEET

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

YEAR 8

It is time to take a break Never take anything for granted and do not overthink everything, but rather live in the moment, and be grateful for the little things in life.

I have learnt to accept myself for who I am, and to find peace within the world you must first find peace within yourself. Live in the moment because things can suddenly take a turn. It is time to take a break and live in the moment.

It is scarily easy to do nothing. But sometimes it is okay to not feel okay. Instead appreciate the people around you and the importance of human contact. To understand my surroundings, I have learnt to take a break once in a while, and I have learnt to find the positive in every situation. To never let anything block my way to success I try and stay motivated. To push through the hard times I try to find the good in everything; to appreciate and adapt to new opportunities Covid has given us.

BITTERSWEET

Life away from school Waking up just two minutes before class time, laying under only 30 minutes of sunshine. Sleeping and not being forced out of bed, tons of sleep ins and yet still waking up dead! Time passes slowly; I hear the clock ticking now the soothing sound of silence rests gently on my brow. Looking out the window to see a silent empty street, walks with the dog to the rhythm of their feet. When grocery shopping has never been so liberating the luxury of toilet paper now once again appreciating. The kids who lit a fire near the creek to toast marshmallows furry friends come up, say hi, earning us new fellows. Back at home, drinking tea while soaking up new knowledge, right next door to family, where a look, a glance acknowledged. The thought of food always close at hand, the smell of freshly baked cakes served at my command, sitting in front of the screen eating delicious snacks, raiding cupboard privileges; every class, making tracks.

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

YEAR 9

Sharing Home Home is not the place, but the people. The way my sister and I have the same music tastes, the way my brothers start watching all the shows I like so we can talk about them together. My little brother is no longer a bother. The longer it went, the closer we got. From binging movies, to pulling on an oodie, they love me for who I am. We have come to respect the boundaries that were unknown before. Through walks in the sun, talking and smiling, Through winter storms, their arms a warm bubble, their supportiveness and ability to pick me up when I am down is stronger than ever; better together. Sticking by my side. Day after day. The support they have given us throughout the months… I know that one day we will go our own ways, but the time we have spent together will keep us connected. The warmest family in the world is company.

BITTERSWEET

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

Stand Together Being alone, has brought us together. The further we are apart, the more we realise we need to stand together. It makes you grateful for the ones you miss the most. Doing what you love is the way to be happy. Patience is a virtue if you want to survive this universal circumstance. You realise that it is the simple things that count the most, music is a welcome respite.

It is important that you do the right thing, the thing you think is right. Being away from ‘the norm’ makes one appreciate their life more. When this is over let us embarrass ourselves on a dance floor, together. Do not let the river of uncertainty drown you, instead let it ebb and flow around you. This too shall pass. We sit alone, but we are not lonely!

You are the one who can be there for yourself one hundred percent of the time. Stop expecting others to carry you. Let the time that we are alone help us find our way to come together. Moments that are now cherished more than ever. Suspense is all we get these days, nothing is predictable.

BITTERSWEET

YEAR 10

A gleam of sunshine in lockdown Maybe there are days ahead, as good, or maybe better, than those we left behind. Everything happens for a reason, let change allow you to grow. If you want light to come into your life, you need to stand where it is shining. Remember to always appreciate what you have. Rough times never last, they always pass.

Remember to stay optimistic. Nature is always by our side: You may be stuck indoors, but your mind can run beyond the circumference of the sun. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Life can only ever take from you what you let it. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Do the things you want to, even when they seem silly. Do not think you are lazy for struggling with the simple tasks. Hurdles only make you more resilient. You are never alone, even when you are online: Get in touch, we are here. Do not take anything for granted.

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

Self-appreciation The days are bright but a closing sight, an inevitable loop of a locked in suit. The wind of freedom outside my window turns dark and gloomy as we stay in together. Locked inside, unsure of the crime I have committed, realising only now that I missed the fresh air on my worried face. Tomorrow, we may live in a world full of dependence. Today, I live in a world of mutualism. A cat turban heals the headache that is the glare of the screens, while my dogs are terrible people. The depth of literary fiction, steal away my hours of study, the puzzles left unfinished, bring solace to me now.

Nothing will ever compare to the realisation that I am able to indulge in my juicy, delicious, scrumptious, saliva-inducing at-home snacks at a moment’s notice. I have learnt to appreciate the revision sessions with my peers at school, even though the revision was for 30 tasks due the next day. The laughter filled calls with my friends mediate. The time is very precious. Another time, I am forced to get up late. To the dearest sunlight, your presence no longer burns, instead it fuels the long days. Warmth is the fire that wraps my soul. It has diminished the stress to wake so late… Gosh I love my bed. Appreciate the importance of self-care and gratitude. My name is not two miserable syllables, but a chance to speak.

BITTERSWEET

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

YEAR 11

YEAR 11 & 12 EAL

Time Never Stops

The Frame

When many uncertainties lie ahead, we should take it one day at a time. Do not watch the press conferences, you will hear necessary information anyway. Live in the moment and treasure what you can, be grateful for the simple things in life. Starting somewhere, no matter how small, is better than not starting at all.

My clothes are building a house in my room. A big one. Oh, how wonderful. I meet up with my friend. Then I wake up. My dog can trim her fur; I cannot trim my hair. Every day I saw my friends, but …what are they doing? Are they well? My world is myself alone. Who am I? An empty school. Only the sanitising wind blows. My dog spends her day at the window, silently watching strangers on the street. The internet is all; I need him so much. My mind full of thoughts five kilometres from home. Does this pandemic end? I think I have recovered and it comes back. My brothers bark like dogs. They never stop. The city is silent. So am I. We are still together though apart. It shall not win. The sky is in the frame. The grass is in the frame. And I am in the frame. Living in my castle, thorns pierce my heart. Sometimes I feel the air has taken the shape of you.

For the first time in history, we can save the human race by living in front of the TV and doing nothing. As the positive cases grow, the importance of little things simultaneously grows. Time spent with others is precious, trust in our community is essential. Time never stops, so all we can do is keep going making the effort is worth it and you will feel better for it.

BITTERSWEET

YEAR 12

Beyond the Prison Bars The city is in chaos, the idiotic little prisoners have escaped. We live within the hush of the suburban roads yet we crave the freedom of the zebra city people. We look out the window and grow jealous of the moving leaves, moving cars the moving cloud. We wonder where they are going and grow envious of the fact that we cannot follow. Like us, death wears a mask.

From the darkness in which we woke, new time allows for more sun to soak. The smell of the brownies intoxicates as we whisk away another batch. Lockdown sucks and brings out some quirks, At least we all know now how MS Teams works.

But it is not so hard to squeeze lives into screens life was always fast-paced. We never slowed down until everything came to a halt. We were forced to remind ourselves how lucky we are. The little things matter more than great grand gestures. We appreciate how fortunate we are to live in this country to find joy in little things (particularly when wider international affairs are concerned).

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

It is Okay We ignore privileges until they have been constrained. I have learnt how to accept my lack of control and find contentment in everyday life. I have learnt the importance of routine and taking care of my mental health, the importance of being outdoors. I appreciate nature and the world around me, I do not take anything for granted. I have learned to be flexible with large changes and to enjoy the moment more. It is okay if things do not go to plan.

BITTERSWEET

A LITTLE BOOK OF LOCKDOWN POEMS

FINTONA GIRLS’ SCHOOL Wurundjeri, Woi Wurrung Country 79 Balwyn Road BALWYN VIC 3103 +613 9830 1388 fgs@fintona.vic.edu.au www.fintona.vic.edu.au 30

BITTERSWEET