Friendship

  

 

 I had the pleasure of writing a poem for a school poetry reading project in Kenya, and was delighted when I heard the young boy reading it aloud in front of his peers via Facebook.

 I wanted to share the poem with you today. 

 

  

 Friendship

The boy stands in the playground on his own

He is new to the school and feels alone

He watches the other boys and girls having fun

They laugh, they play and even run

One of the boys playing notices him

He is a classmate who loves life to the brim

He asks the solo boy, why he is sad?

Is being here so bad?

He tells him it is because he has no friends

The schoolfellow offers his hand, it is a problem he can easily mend

In this school we have friendship to share

Each and every one of us will always care

 

© Christina Rowell 2025 

Hunter’s Moon

 

In the distance what can the father and son hear?

They hope it is the grunt or snort of a deer.

Without the last of the season’s hunt, there will be no food.

For the boy’s siblings, and the rest of the man’s hungry brood.

 

The vegetation is now laid bare.

Through the darkness the two can with little hindrance stare.

 

The passing clouds  cause the night shadows to deceive.

The snap of a twig, the hoot of an owl, the eager hunters could easily misconceive.

The moon rises high.

The clouds disperse from the sky.

 

The prize of the night, is now visible and in their sight.

Thankfully this winter, the family's table can be laid with both bowl and spoon.

Thanks to nature and the Hunter’s moon.

 

 By Christina Rowell

 

 

Pictures of exhibits in National Museum Edinburgh, photographed by Christina Rowell

Hope In The Heart

 

 

 They cram together sometimes one hundred or more,

In search of another shore.

They have said their farewells,

And risk the ocean’s perilous  swells.

A mixture of races including African and Asian,

Longing for a safe haven.

Seeking shelter from dangers and distress,

With a heartfelt hope of protection and even success.