Poetry Object 2019 Shortlisted Poets reflect on their special objects & writing process
The Poetry Object 2019 shortlisted poets celebrate their success. Find inspiration for your Poetry Object 2020 submission by reading these students' stories about their special objects and their writing processes.
Shortlisted poets' reflections
‘When I wrote this poem I thought people didn’t care about things small such as rubbers, sharpeners, forks, spoons and other small things that help life and brighten the way of millions. This made me think of a pencil I was writing with. I chose this special object to encourage people to appreciate the things they have and the way they can communicate. When I found that I was shortlisted, I was dumbfounded and shocked. From the thousands of people, I thought I didn’t even have a chance to get in the shortlist. It also made me exuberant. I think a pencil is very unique and special and I wanted to prove that we wouldn’t be able to use them in the future as technology would be more widespread.’
~ Taiyeon, year 5: read Taiyeon's poem
‘I was writing a poem like everyone else, yet I was writing of something that has no dear meaning to anyone. Anyone except me. I came across the idea of writing a reverse poem, when I was reading a reverse picture book with my little sister. I thought it was ingenious and meaningful. I wasn’t writing to win, I was writing for my message to be heard. The message was that poems can hurt, they can heal, but in the end they have some sort of meaning. No matter which way they are read or presented. That even a single word has meaning – my polaroid has meaning.’
~ Ella, year 6: read Ella's poem
‘I was prompted to write about a sense of place using colour, and I chose to write about a rowboat because I row and I really like how calm it is to not have to think while rowing. Also, the sunset on the river looks really pretty! I'm honestly surprised my poem was noticed. I didn't think my poetry was that good! (very happy and excited). I've entered a poetry competition before, but I didn't achieve anything back then. I'm really glad my work was considered to be good enough to be shortlisted.’
~ Sharvari, year 7: read Sharvari's poem
‘The poem I submitted means a lot to me as it came genuinely from my heart and naturally, the poem being published and shortlisted also means a lot to me. Whether or not my poem is shortlisted, every piece of writing I write, especially poetry, has expanded my creativity. What I’ve learnt from this experience is that an ordinary student, such as myself, is capable of anything they set their mind to when they are equipped with determination and creativity.’
~ Kathy, year 8: read Kathy's poem
‘It's a wonderful thing to have my poem recognised, shortlisted and published by Red Room Poetry. Poetry is often a very personal experience, but one that is inherently meant to be shared. So, it is both humbling and exciting to be chosen for the shortlist. Many hours, even many years can go into crafting a poem and it's very rewarding to have your work acknowledged by someone else. It's special to know someone saw something in my words and I'm glad to be include amongst some other great entries for this year's competition. I would like to wish all the very best to all the other poets on the shortlist and look forward to the announcement of winners.’
~ Peter Ramm, teacher: read Peter's poem
‘I used Red Room Poetry Object as an opportunity to teach my students about the fixed-form of a villanelle since I thought the obsessive repetition of the verses complemented the theme of talismanic objects. The students had a great time trying to craft their poems within the structure of a villanelle and I enjoyed the process of constructing one too. One rarely has time for individual creativity as a teacher, so it was thoroughly enjoyable to let the creative juices flow and an astonishing bonus that my poem was shortlisted too.’
~ Bec Fyfield, teacher: read Bec's poem