The Year 7 students recently completed a Poetry Unit in which the boys were asked to compose a poetry anthology connected by a central theme. As part of this task they were asked to write an ‘identity poem.’ A poem that conveyed something specific about their world view; something that frustrated them about the current social political climate, or something that truly invigorated or excited them; something the reflected a part of their identity.
Of note was the following poem, composed by Murphy Eaton (Year 7). His honesty and maturity is deeply moving.
Perspective by Murphy Eaton
Sometimes he is angry
He Says he wants a mansion
He wants his parents to get a mansion like his friends.
He complains about it but doesn’t realise
That 100 million don’t have a roof over their heads
He doesn’t know how lucky he is.
He will learn.
Sometimes he doesn’t like school.
He says he doesn’t want to go to school.
He wants to miss school like his friends.
He complains about it but doesn’t realise.
He doesn’t realise that 61 million people his age have no education at all.
He doesn’t know how lucky he is.
He will learn.
Sometimes he is ungrateful
He says he should get what he wants.
He wants his parents to get whatever he wants.
He complains about it but doesn’t realise.
That millions of people don’t have anything they want.
He realises how lucky he is.
He learns.
He never again is ungrateful
He never again is angry
Never again is he demanding
He only is grateful, for what he has
And how lucky he is.
He knows that people don’t have education
He knows that people don’t have homes.
He helps others realise how lucky they are.
He helps other people.