2007 Under 11 Children’s Writing Joint Outstanding Entry

Lachlan Ryan

Grandad

Sad is a feeling that you do not want,
It is like a sea without waves.

Fear is a part of your body that feels like ice.
It hurts you like never before.

Love is like a warm light,
That warms your heart.

Grandad is sad and worried
He's weak and brave

I felt worthless, I could not help him.
But he knows that I love him,

And this keeps him warm.

Judge's Comments

Lachlan Ryan: This poem literally moved me to tears. Indeed, I read it again aloud to my partner Tamsin, and we both choked up. The tempo is superb. The ‘sad is', ‘fear is', ‘love is' structure is simple but beautiful. And the line about sadness being ‘a sea without the waves' is worthy of a professional poet. Well done.

Judge Tony Wilson, Author and RRR Broadcaster.

Back to top

for
Donate to Cancer Council Victoria
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20