My Voice - We Come From Mansfield 2020

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES) Written by Asquith Primary School Young Voices: Dempsey Fraizer Jovi Mario Megan Nana Nelly Tom

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This anthology is the result of Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature’s MyVoice Young Voices project, which would not have been possible without the generous support of Nottingham Violence Reduction Unit.

Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature would like to thank poet Aly Stoneman for her inspiring and attentive work with the Asquith Primary School children and teachers.

Published by Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature, Nottingham, England Copyright © Nottingham City of Literature 2020.

Cover design by Makermet Creative.

Individual copyright remains with the authors

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Contents Introduction

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Part 1: I Come from…

A group-written collaborative poem about home and belonging, modelled on the poem ‘I Come from’ by Robert Seatter.

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Part 2: What Is…?

Poems about ‘colour’ and ‘home’, modelled on the poem ‘What is Pink’ by Christina Rossetti.

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Part 3: How to…

Individual poems responding to ‘Instructions for Writing Poetry’ by Tony Mitton and ‘How to Hang Washing’ by Becky Cullen.

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Part 4: My Family, Friends and Animals Writing about people and pets, based on the poem ‘Granny Is’ by Valerie Bloom.

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Part 5: I Can Make My World Come True Writing about dreams and the future, inspired by ‘Someday’ by Kesha, the theme tune to Tracy Beaker.

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Part 6: My Wonderwall Building a strong and wonderful word wall of things we love, inspired by ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis.

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Part 7: ‘What Did We Eat’ Written by Judith Asquith, Teacher

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Introduction Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature is delighted to share the poetry of eight year 6 pupils from Asquith Primary School –Dempsey, Fraizer, Jovi, Mario, Megan, Nana, Nelly and Tom. Between January and March 2020 these young voices worked with poet Aly Stoneman, reading poems and stories about home, family, friends, pets, favourite food, hobbies, sports, hopes for the future, and the things they love. They talked about the poems to inspire ideas for their own writing, before sharing their poems with each other as they are now sharing them with you. The amazing poems in this anthology were created during their five workshops together. We hope that you enjoy reading them as much as the group enjoyed writing them, and that they encourage you to pick up your pen and write!

Aly and Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature would like to thank the Head Teacher Mrs. Harding and Year Six teacher Mrs. Austin for their support for the project. Thanks also to Mrs. Asquith, who attended all the sessions and took part in the MyVoice creative writing mentoring programme. Very special thanks to the talented Year Six poets in this anthology.

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

PART 1: I COME FROM… I Come From I come from a place where the weather’s always changing from school trips to London, Keswick, The National Coal Mining Museum from many parks – Jacko’s, Spider, Carr Bank, Racecourse, Titchylitter, beer cans, graffiti, and bird poo on benches I come from “when I was 11 I played with dolls”, “I’m going out”, fence-hopping and “get off my lawn” from untidy bedrooms – overloaded bins, unmade beds, clothes everywhere, Playstation, ipad, Nintendo, TV I come from a family of writers, drummers, cleaners from Africa, Canada, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, UK from unknown visiting relatives who exclaim, “you’re so big!” from many different accents.

I come from cuddles and kisses (and no cuddles and kisses) and fighting over ketchup in McDonald’s I come from piano, keyboard, harmonica, trumpet, ukulele, drums, I come from my dog sniffing in the garden a gang smoking and doing graffiti, people in the park at night from the sound through the night of music, talking, motorbikes…

BY ASQUITH PRIMARY SCHOOL YOUNG VOICES

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

PART 2: WHAT IS…?

What is a Home?

Home is where you can let go and be yourself.

Home is being loved by relatives during the school holidays.

Home is an art gallery for your favourite pictures.

Home is my Chihuahuas jumping up at me.

Home is where you can wear your PJ’s: There’s no place I’d rather be than in my bed!

How do you feel at home? You feel safe and cosy – you feel at home!

My home is pasta having a fiesta.

My home is a minty Aero with lots of bubbles.

My home is toast because I nearly burned it down – oops!

My home tastes like chicken noodles on a cold winter evening My home is beetroot soup mixed with love.

Home is a family dinner in hard times, with golden roast potatoes.

Well, what is a house then? A house is empty – You could add all these things to make it a home.

Home is the place where you want to be.

What colour is home? The colour of a heart being loved.

BY ASQUITH PRIMARY SCHOOL YOUNG VOICES

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

Home Sweet Home

TOM What is a home? A home is where people live.

What is home? A home is where you meet family and relatives.

What is a home? A home is where you will never find despair.

What is home? Home is a taste of happiness and love.

What is happiness? Happiness is a feeling of goodness.

What is love? Love is people who like and care for you.

Home is everything!

JOVI What is a Home?

A home is the place you feel love and happiness inside your heart.

Where is the place you feel loved?

The place you feel loved is where you feel happiness.

Where is the place you feel happiness inside?

The place you feel happiness is where you feel loved.

What is a house?

A house is a place you make into a home.

A place you didn’t like, but will always remember.

What is a home?

Home is a place where you can let go and be yourself, A family dinner in hard times, with golden roast potatoes.

It is forever my home.

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

What is a Home?

DEMPSEY What is a home? A place where There is a dog and happiness.

Where is home? Anywhere You feel love and joy.

What is a loving place? A home With many cuddles and kisses.

What else is in a home? A bit of craziness, A lot of fun, and room for a comfy bed.

How do you feel at home? You feel safe and cosy With love; you feel at home!

Well, what is a house then? A house is empty – You could add all these things to make it a home.

What is your home? My home is where you’ll find me Cooking chicken super noodles!

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

FRAIZER Home Sweet Home What is home? Home is my home, My home is waiting for me.

What is home? Home is my Chihuahuas Jumping up at me.

What is home? Home is the taste of a juicy chicken leg bone.

What is home? Home is being loved by relatives During school holidays.

What is home? Home is a Wispa Gold.

What is not home? My home is not a crumpet!

What is home? My home is a Christmas, filling me up with happiness.

The Four Seasons What is green? Why the grass is green In the spring season.

What is yellow? The sun is yellow Shining in the summer, mellow.

What is orange? The leaves are orange In autumn, looking kind of strange.

What is grey? The clouds are grey In winter passing away.

Well, what is blue? The sky is blue Holding the cheerful sun, When the seasons turn all over again.

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NANA

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

What is Blue?

What is blue? The sky is blue Above the beautiful sea.

What is green? The grass is green Next to the tall trees.

What is yellow? The flowers are yellow Growing in the ground.

What is peach? Just a peach!

What is a Home?

NELLY

NANA

What is home? A place you love.

What is home? A place you cherish.

What is home? A place you feel safe.

What is home? A place that calls to you.

Well, what is home? A place where family stays is home.

What is Blue?

JOVI What is blue? The sky is blue where planes fly through.

What is white? The paper we write on is white (blank, it can give you a fright!).

What is red? A red bed!

What is yellow? The sun is yellow In the summer when it says “hello”.

What is green? The grass is green With flowers in-between.

What is brown? Trees are brown With a bare winter frown.

What is peach? Well, a peach, Just a peach, silly!

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

FRAIZER What is Green?

What is green? The grass is green, Growing in the summer sun.

What is red? Strawberries are red, As ripe as can be.

What is yellow? The sky is yellow, Sitting on the sunset’s peak.

What is brown? The volcano is brown, ready to erupt.

What is orange? Lava is orange Resting in the volcano.

What is grey? The smoke is grey, The lava has risen.

What is black? The ash and rock is black, The volcano has erupted…and no one survived!

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

PART 3: HOW TO… How to Keep Calm

MEGAN Count to ten, then go to sleep, wake up in the morning and brush your teeth, ignore the weird noises outside – oh look, your cat is falling off the roof: try to save its nine lives – don’t play with knives, and keep your laptop on charge.

How to Keep Calm Shut your eyes, think of something happy or calm.

Open your mind and don’t think of anything sad.

Think about your favourite colour and eat something you like.

Relax and go to your favourite place.

Do what you like.

NELLY

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

JOVI How to be Calm Close your eyes, Breathe – take your time and go to your happy place.

Are you there? Ok, good.

Have you got a happy colour?

Mine is baby blue. It reminds me of the sky and makes me feel relaxed.

Now, hopefully, you’re calm.

Be calm.

MARIO Instructions for Playing Basketball First you shoot one hundred shots per day for a week, then you practice dribbling around and controlling the ball.

Then you work on balancing and passing, get a kit and some shoes to look flashy and say ‘for Kobe’ after you shoot.

I just turned you into Michael Jordan!

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

TOM Instructions for Being a Gamer Have a game.

Have a platform.

Focus on it.

What skills have you learnt?

Some tactics?

Some ideas?

Keep your eyes on the game.

Choose your drinks/food.

Energy drinks?

Crisps?

Find friends to play with.

And WIN! Are you happy?

Are you mad?

Did you enjoy it?

How to Bake a Cake

DEMPSEY It must be winter. It should be cold.

I am baking a cake.

From my kitchen counter you hear the electric whisk spinning loudly, the mouth-watering scent drifts through the house, waiting impatiently for the sweet treat!

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

NANA It Must Be… It must be winter time.

It should be pastry baking time.

From a small wooden house you hear the fire crackling and a Christmas tree going up.

From hearing “dinner time” to seeing thick snow settling – oh yes, indeed, it’s wintertime!

It Must Be… It must be Summer.

It should be hot.

From Barcelona, hearing cars honking at each other and swearing in Spanish.

I am looking out of the window, enjoying the weather and inhaling warm air.

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MARIO

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

PART 4: MY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ANIMALS Babshi is Babshi is cake making and licking the icing, Sunday dinners, then shopping, tea leaves being tipped into a mug when I wake.

Babshi is pegging the washing out on a summer day, planting fresh poppy seeds, her son bringing back some cake from his day.

Babshi is telling someone to “get in the garden” while making a ‘cuppa’ – making tea is what she does best.

Babshi says, “Only the best for my family, I don’t see a price for happiness, I love everyone.”

Babshi is my angel. *Babshi is Ukrainian for Grandma

JOVI

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

NELLY My Rabbit (Snowy) is…

Snowy is a little snow ball.

He likes to eat fruit and rabbit food.

He hops around the room.

Snowy is white and fluffy with brown nose, ears and tail.

When I touch him, he feels like a fluffy cloud.

Snowy is lovely.

Dempsey is…

Dempsey is the smart one who knows everything, the kind one who is friends with everyone, the hungry one who eats warm chicken noodles when she’s starving, fresh smile every morning.

Dempsey likes going to Jacko’s after school, hanging out with Jovi and Brooke.

She reads all the best books and has the best brown hair.

Dempsey nice.

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NANA

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

DEMPSEY Nana is…My Best Friend Nana is a good, caring friend who you can have a laugh with – she is really funny.

Nana is a girl who rocks on her chair in class, not listening.

She chats to me and helps me build up my confidence.

Nana is an intelligent girl who wears black glasses with orange specks and likes her hair colourful with loads of pretty plaits in purple, blue and yellow.

Nana says, “Dempsey is my best friend.”

She speaks really quietly.

Nana is caring.

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

MEGAN My Dog is…

My dog is a bubbly, wappy kind-hearted being who makes me happy when I get angry, who is always there for me when sometimes I want to throw myself out the window of my house!

I have never had a dog like him, he is as quiet as a mouse, I wouldn’t trade him for anything.

My dog is amazing.

Fraizer is…

Fraizer is a good friend who never lets me down.

Fraizer is playing games with me and teaching me new stuff.

Fraizer is a good and strong friend who can always find a way to do anything.

Fraizer is the best!

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TOM

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

MARIO Jan is…

Jan is a smart, intelligent friend who helps me and teaches me new stuff.

Jan is a funny but serious friend.

We always go to sports at lunch and have fun.

Jan is a good role model to younger children, a good basketball player and a loyal friend.

Jan says, “Yeah, I got 40/40 on my maths test!”

Jan is amazing.

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

PART 5. I CAN MAKE MY WORLD COME TRUE I Can Make My Dreams Come True…

I can make my dreams come true Living in a hot place like Florida or LA is what I want to do In a modern house with a pool, The water will be so cool Going to the beach everyday Swimming in a secret lake with my best mate My dreams swirl like troubled water My dreams twist around me My dreams bounce like a basketball And swish into the net of my future Into one and a million stars in the universe Feeling the vibe in my blood Winning is my legacy Believe me, I will win some day – Just you wait!

BY ASQUITH PRIMARY SCHOOL YOUNG VOICES

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

I Can Make My World Come True

TOM I can make my world come true living in England, travelling around for interviews.

I sometimes feel like my dreams will fail, but I won’t bail.

My sport is everything, scoring in every game.

Winning is my legacy – in basketball I shout, “For Kobe!”

If one dream fails, I’ll try again.

And then – I’ll re-do it again.

Believe me today – I’ll win some day.

MEGAN I Can Make My Dreams Come True…

I can make my dreams come true Flying through the trees Going to places I’d love to visit, like Canada, Playing video games.

I don’t want to be rich, money doesn’t make me happy.

My dreams swirl like troubled water, Springing into my future, Into a million and one stars Out of the universe.

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

DEMPSEY I Can Make My World Come True I can make my world come true living in America and raising a family in my future (sensible-sized) house.

My future colour is bright blue – waking up to a bright sky every day before work.

I feel the hot air hitting my skin and the water is rising as I swim in a secret lake with my best mate.

My dreams win like a famous person winning an award.

Raising a family in America is my dream; believe me – I am going to do this!

I Can Make My World Come True I can make my world come true Living in LA is what I wanna do, I want to be someone who draws tattoos on people who trust me.

I see myself living in a big mansion, my best mates waiting as I drive up the drive-way in my mysterious Tesla.

I will make my world come true swimming in a secret lake under the stars with the ones I trust, that’s what I will do.

Believe me now, I will win some day.

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JOVI

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

MARIO I Can Make My World Come True…

I can make my world come true Living in LA is what I will do, Playing alongside LeBron James, Driving a Rolls Royce And partying with the boys.

I will bounce my dream like a ball Swishing into the net of my future.

I will win it all, And I will give it my all For us all…

I will succeed!

I Can Make My World Come True…

NELLY I can make my world come true My dreams twist around me.

Living in a hot place like America, Having a swimming pool in my garden, Living next to the beach And having a big view over the sea.

Believe me, I will win some day.

I Can Make My World Come True…

NANA I can make my world come true, Living in Florida is what I wanna do, In a modern home with a pool, The water will be so cool, Going to the beach every day.

From seeing the stars to flying to Mars – Believe me today, I’ll win some day.

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

PART 6. MY WONDERWALL My Wonderwall

DEMPSEY My first brick is my caring dad for helping me to be confident and believe in myself and for raising me as I am.

My second brick is my magnificent mama because she always makes sure I do the right things and helps me with my homework.

She also helps my dad out, looking after me and my three siblings.

My third brick is playing with my mates after school, going ‘round each other’s houses in the winter, and in the summer, going to Jacko’s or Quarry Park after school.

My fourth brick is eating chicken noodles and ordering McDonald’s while having a movie night in my room.

My fifth brick is my favourite game Roblox, making many memories playing with my cousins.

My sixth brick is my favourite song, ‘Dear Ex-best Friend’ because the story is interesting to listen to.

My seventh brick is my favourite colour, turquoise, because it’s a pretty, bright colour with a sparkle.

WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

JOVI My Wonderwall My first brick is my amazing Mom Because she cares about me and loves me and is always there for me.

My second brick is my griller Dad Because he will always tell me I can do something in my life.

My third brick is my angel of a Babshi Because she loves me and always tells me to believe.

My fourth brick is Maccy D’s Because I spend time with my family while eating it.

My fifth brick is Roblox Because I make memories playing with friends.

My sixth brick is ‘Heartbroken’ Because me and my friends could listen to it for hours on end.

My seventh brick is my favourite colour baby blue Because it makes me think of all my angels in the sky.

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

MEGAN My Wonderwall I start building my Wonderwall Brick by brick, stick by stick.

My first brick is my dog, always there for me Because he is loving like a dad.

My second brick is my uncle, Always telling jokes.

My third brick is dodgeball, Dodging my worries and problems.

My fourth brick is McDonald’s – Salty taste, but makes my day!

My fifth brick is Roblox, My second favourite game, makes me calm every time I play.

My sixth brick is red – I really like this colour, it makes me feel safe.

My seventh brick is my friends, Always sticking by my side.

After all, I love them all…

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

NELLY My Wonderwall My first brick is my rabbit Because he is always next to me and he makes me happy.

My second brick is my friend Because she makes me laugh.

My third brick is swimming Because it’s fun.

My fourth brick is pizza – I like to eat pizza!

My fifth brick is playing Roblox, my favourite game.

My sixth brick is my favourite colour, blue, because it reminds me of the sky.

After all, I love them all.

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

NANA My Wonderwall I start building my Wonderwall My first brick is my best mates Because they comfort me and boost my confidence.

My second brick is my parents Because they’re kind to me.

My third brick is dance Which I’m starting after half-term.

My fourth brick is pepperoni pizza On a cold winter evening.

My fifth brick is games – I don’t know which are my favourites!

My sixth brick is Billie Eilish, ‘Bellyache’.

My seventh brick is my favourite colours Dark blue, grey and yellow.

My last brick is myself!

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

TOM My Wonderwall My first brick is Kobe Bryant because he inspired me.

My second brick is my mum, Because she helps me do everything.

My third brick is football Because it is one of my favourite sports.

My fourth brick is beetroot soup Because it tastes so lovely.

My fifth brick is ‘No Man’s Sky’ Because you get to explore different planets.

My sixth brick is rap Because ‘Ladbroke Grove’ is amazing.

My seventh brick is green Because it’s my favourite colour.

After all, I love them all, my Wonderwall.

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

MARIO My Wonderwall My first brick is LeBron James Because he inspires me and I learn from him.

My second brick is my Mom Because she created me and taught me everything.

My third brick is music And songs I really like – Hip Hop, Jazz, and Rap. My fourth brick is pasta Tuna, cheese, guacamole, Fanta and spicy crisps.

My fifth brick is Fortnite Because it is so realistic and fun.

My sixth brick is indigo Because it is a bright, happy colour.

My seventh brick is family Because they are everything.

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WE COME FROM MANSFIELD (AND OTHER PLACES)

PART 7: WHAT DID WE EAT? What Did We Eat?

JUDITH ASQUITH Frosties, Sugar Puffs Cornflakes Snap, Crackle and Pop Spam Tuna Dairylea Jam Instant Whip Angel Delight Sponge Pudding Jugs Bangers and Mash Meat and Potato Pie Brisket Stew and Dumplings Caramac Golden Crisp Dairy Milk Iced Gems Rosehip Syrup Tea Camp Coffee Corona Pop

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