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Runner-up: Aruna Stannard
Aruna says: ‘I am extremely honoured to be chosen as runner up. I’ve always been a writer in my spare moments but writing poetry is something relatively new to me. When I read the theme I knew I wanted to reflect our beautiful town in some way. This poem was inspired by a walk in our lovely public gardens on a difficult day. I realised how many of the things people might find solace in were present - families and friends, nature, a connection to history or religion, ice cream or coffee (or both!)’
Emma Shercliff, literary agent and judge of the adult category said: "I loved the spirit of place captured in this poem, which takes a much broader interpretation of the competition theme. The language is carefully chosen and fluid, and there is some lovely imagery employed here. I enjoyed the innovative use of form, with the playful structure enhancing the impact of the poem, particularly when read aloud. This writer has a fresh, approachable style and, like all good poetry, this poem merits multiple readings - there is an emotional depth to it which I found very moving."
i took the day off and went to abbey gardens
by Aruna Stannard
and as i came through the mustow gate
i found a wedding party
lolling pinstriped at picnic tables
smiles clattering against champagne glasses
a nearby tree hurled its confetti
and i, blinking, captured joy in a dozen frames
through my shutter eyes
a tray of pork pies,
a new dress
and some hope
a jackdaw posed at the next-door bench
pied and patchworked, half made or half undone in sickness or in youth?
at the kiosk, two women cannot choose
coffee, ice cream
coffee, ice cream
i detect the hint of an accent
imagine them sisters, friends, lovers
reunited in this space
the joy of it they order affogato
i smile a moment, turn my head, wanting part of it
near these lichen-coated ancient walls
holding up ruins, holding up roses
a spider crawled across my wrist
i wait
beneath these trees we need the belief of it
for these old stones to exhale their years
whisper
yes
yes
yes
on the breath of a blessing
to drench us in something sad and sweet
like coffee over ice cream
my heart hangs back wanting to see what that is like but my feet move me on in search of something secret and holy
like a psalm overheard from the rose garden
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