Staffordshires Young Poet Laureate Meets Newcastle-under-Lyme MP
Recently, A Level student, Trinity Davis, met MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, Aaron Bell when he came to the College to meet her following her appointment as the Young Poet Laureate for Staffordshire.
The 17-year-old from Talke Pits will combine her official civil duties alongside studying for A Levels in Art and Design, English Literature and Film Studies at Newcastle College.
Some of Trinity's main tasks in post will be to write poems to commemorate specific events within Staffordshire such as Remembrance Day.
On November 10 during a poignant Armistice Day service at Newcastle College, Trinity read her poem – A Girl Named Zoe – in front of the College community, invited dignitaries and esteemed guests.
Commenting on her poem, Trinity, said: “I really wanted to focus on the effects of war on the people at home, and how it's like a shockwave that spreads far and lasts long.
“The pain is often felt by many people, not just one, and I wanted to reflect that. I also wanted the poem to be very open. The 'girl' could be anyone, any age or ethnicity or identity, affected by wars of any kind - she is supposed to be a figure that people find some comfort in, and that was my inspiration for writing this poem.”
Aaron Bell MP, who attended the Remembrance Service, added: “I was delighted to meet with Staffordshire's new Young Poet Laureate, Trinity Davis, and hear her read an original poem of hers in the college’s Remembrance Service.
“I always enjoy seeing young people in Newcastle excel, and I wish Trinity the best of luck as she takes the lead in her new role. I know she will inspire young people across the county with her passion and talent for poetry."
A Girl Named Zoe
She hugs her dad goodbye
On a Monday morning
Despite the fact it was summer
The wind still bit and stung
Chilling to the bone
She wouldn't see her father for months
Moved around from place to place
Each house slightly colder
Slightly more empty
Yet fear shared their house
She could barely remember most
Her mother tried to hide the tears
To try not to let her worry
It didn't matter
She knew
When it was over
Her father returned
She knew it was luck
She hugged him again
After what felt like forever
When it was over
It was never really over
Her father had changed,
Her home had changed
They'd move forward
In time
But she would never forget