The first Thursday in October is National Poetry Day. This year's theme was Refuge so obviously (with thanks to my mum who noticed and pointed it out well in advance), it was something I was keen to invite Stories of Hope and Home to explore.
We produced a short film and wrote poetry reflecting on the question "What is Refuge?" Both were a collaborative effort between many members of the group, and we were really pleased with how they turned out.
We shared them with local schools of sanctuary inviting them to engage in exploring the theme too, and it seems appropriate to share them here, as well. (If I'd been a bit more organised, I'd have done so on National Poetry Day. I'm not so I didn't.)
A Refuge is – A poem by Stories of Hope and Home
A refuge is
The sound of birds singing in the summertime
And the wind blowing through the trees in the limitless hills
It is raindrops and running water
It is the kettle boiling
It is family laughing, children playing, friends chatting
And my mother’s voice
It is the bustling sounds as I sit by the river in my city
And the gentle breathing of a loved one as I sit in quiet companionship
It is the sound of music
As well as the sound of silence
I found my refuge and it sounds like an echo of myself
The song of my dreams
A refuge is
The taste of warm milk late at night and buttery porridge in the morning
And milky hot chocolate, sipped while chatting with friends
It is sweet, silky honey,
And bread, freshly baked
It is the first sip of juice as we break the fast together
It is wiggly noodles slipping over my tongue
And my mum’s home-cooked food
It is meals shared with friends
It is sea salt on my lips
And the taste of my voice as I sing this victory song
I found my refuge, and it tastes like British cake
And a cup of tea
A refuge is
The sight of a colourful garden filled with beautiful flowers
And a blanket of snow making everything white and clean and silent
It is all the greens of nature
And it is the horizon over the sea
It is the sight of a good friend’s face after a long absence
It is stepping off a train to see a familiar place
It is watching the happy ending of a movie
It is everything I see in my dreams
And then seeing my dreams coming true
It is the sight of a bright future
I have found my refuge and it looks like the first ray of sunlight
Banishing the darkness of night.
A refuge is
The smell of a garden filled with lavender beneath the evening light
And of the first rain in the autumn falling on dry ground
It is freshly prepared coffee
And my dad’s mint tea
It is the smell of a Salvadorean Christmas
It is woodsmoke and incense
And a blue scented candle
It is steam rising from pots and pans
It is delicate flowers and sweet strawberries
And a perfume that fills me with memories
I have found my refuge and it smells like my mother’s kitchen
Where I am always welcome
A refuge is
The feel of comfortable feet in my favourite walking shoes
And of fresh water splashing on bare feet with the sand between my toes
It is hot sun on my skin and wind ruffling my hair
It is a warm bubble bath
And a baby’s cheek
It is the feel of being wrapped up in a snuggly blanket on a cold winter’s night
It is my soft cosy bed
And Fresh, clean pillows under my head
It is the feel of my tummy aching from real laughter
It is the feel of freedom
I have found my refuge and it feels like the hug of a loved one
Holding me safe enough to close my eyes
I have found my refuge
It is a place where I feel I belong.
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