Harry Laing visits Edgecliff

Song of a Tyre, Egg, My Dad’s an Alien, Swooper Mag, Cheese Rap, I’m an Angry Old Lady… possibly not the traditional titles you’d expect to be penned within a poetry book, but they are just some of the titles dreamed up by the Edgecliff boys who spent time with Poet-In-Residence, Mr Harry Laing.

Harry is a poet, children’s author, creative-writing teacher and comic performer. One of his poetic trademarks is to make everyday ‘normal’ and mundane objects come to life, injecting humour and energy along the way.

Harry ignited the imaginations of both boys and teachers during his week as Poet-In-Residence at Edgecliff. The week started with performances at both Infants and Primary Assemblies, which was followed by a week of learning, laughter and an abundance of fun!

All boys participated in three poetry workshops across the week where they were given a wide and wonderful range of stimulus, tips and tricks, and opportunity to share and recite to their peers. The finale to the week was a celebration assembly where selected boys and volunteers recited their poetry and Harry whipped up an impromptu rap in honour of the fabulous poetry the Stage Three boys had entertained him with.

Here is Harry’s poem, Dreams of a Stage, followed by two fine examples of poems that came out of the week.

Dreams of a Stage

By Harry Laing

Sitting here
listening to all these words
all I want to do is write, to perform
but that’s not how it works
people perform on me.

I’ve no hands, no voice
and the words wash over me
and I can’t hold them –
I’ve so much to say
I’ve had so many great ideas
my stage-heart starts pumping
the adrenalin surges through my boards.
It’s a rush, but I’m mute, I’m a stage
just a space
maybe I’ll have to be the best listener
the biggest ear

I’ll listen to all these amazing words
of Year 5 and year 6
and maybe, just maybe
I’ll find a way to scrape a voice together
and say what I need to say.

Beach

By James Ng (Year 6)

Upon the shore where waves do roam
The ocean’s voice a soothing hum
Each ripple whispers secrets deep
Beneath the sky where seagulls sweep.

The sun a painter, strokes of gold
Blessing sands where stories unfold
With every beam, a warm embrace
The beach, in sunlight, finds its grace.

The breeze, a dancer, swirling free
Whispering tales to the ancient sea
Embracing cliffs with tender care
As if to soften edges bare.

And as the day begins to wane
The beach in twilight starts to reign
A symphony of colours blend
In nature’s glow, it finds its end.

Fencing

By Jack Woods (Year 6)

Slashing, smiting, stabbing, fighting
Beeping, losing, weeping, bruising
Failing, restarting, resetting, resting
Beeping, winning, cheering, bruising
Hurting, undressing, unclipping, tangling
Paring, mixing, daring, fixing
Saluting and sensing
We are fencing.

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