We are delighted that Jacob Chiwara has been announced as the new Young Poet Laureate for West Yorkshire.
Chosen by the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage himself, this is a prestigious appointment and I am so incredibly proud of Jacob.
We had some excellent entries to the competition, as we have some outstanding writers in Year 6. Both Jacob and Zayyan were shortlisted and went to an event, from which Jacob was then chosen. Staff work hard to give our children the skills to write in a range of genres, with competence and flair. It is wonderful to see such an accolade for which we can all be proud. Huge well done to Jacob.

Young Poet Laureate | National Literacy Trust  
How the Leaf Feels

I am a leaf, not a magic one, just a normal, humble leaf.

Every day I watch people come and go wishing I could be there too.

Friendships form, new generations appear but I still stay
here.

I might have seen you before, walking the streets or eating a picnic, playing with your friends, having the time of your life.

Meanwhile, I get pushed around by the wind and trodden on by humans.

My life is an embodiment of sadness, drowning in other
people’s freedom.

As the seasons carry on, and years keep on going, I
continue to tear and suffer.
I’ve seen things you’ll never see, been places you’ll never go and yet as you pass by you refuse to hear my tales.

My daring adventures, overlooked by everyone.

How I wish to return to my branch, safe and comfortable, immune to the cruelty of life.

Jacob,
Allerton CofE Primary School

Young_Poet_Laureate_Anthology_-_Final_Version.pdf 
Click on here to read all the poems, including Zayyan’s entry, India, on page 169.