Last night 5 of our clients were honoured in the National Library of Ireland by Inclusion Ireland. The event was the announcement of the winners of the Inclusion Ireland 50th Anniversary National Poetry Competition. There were over 600 entries from all across the country. Last night the top 12 were honoured with a beautiful desplay of their poetry in a public event. Of the twelve poems, six of the entries were from Sunbeam House Services clients. One client, John Power, had two poems in the final twelve. The other four poets in the final were Stephen Browne, James Ledwidge, Patrick Grummell and Nathan Phillips.
It is with great pleasure that I tell you that James Ledwidge came third overall, a great achievement for James who received his prize, a beautiful handmade pen, from President Michael D Higgins. I am sure that you will all join me in congratulating James, John, Patrick, Stephen and Nathan in their wonderful achievement.
I have included James’s award winnning poem below.
I would also like to thank the staff of Sunbeam House Services for their support for the five fine poets and all the other artists we have in Sunbeam. Well done everyone.
I’m Thinking – by James Ledwidge
If only I could turn back time
I wish I could see the boys
That I went to boarding school with
We shared it all
Good days, playing football and smoking at the back of the school
Bad days, getting slapped,
Six of the best and facing into the corner
I’m thinking of working in our garage years ago
Checking tyres and batteries on a wet day
Always on a wet day,
Or delivering groceries on the bicycle
I miss it still
I’m thinking
I’d love to see my father again
I was only six years old when he went and died
I’m thinking I would like to remember him
But I really can’t, he’s gone too long
They were some of the best days of my life
Good memories.
Comments 1
What a nice Christmas surprise.
Congratulations James on your win.
A poet and a gifted photographer
Best wishes Happy Christmas . nick l. and family.