Congratulations to Amy Hampton 10D who has been named Winner in  an Intermediate Creative Writing competition, held as part of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week campaign by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum.  Amy has been  invited to receive her prize at a special ceremony, to be held on Wednesday 18 November in the RADAR Centre, Belfast. followed by a buffet lunch.

Mr McLoughlin has commended Amy’s work:  “I am delighted that Amy’s beautiful poem has won the Creative Writing Competition and I believe her words are an example to everyone of how we can help and support each other.”

The Waterfall What bullying means to me – A poem

I’m drowning in the laughter, Their harsh words push me on, Towards the edge of this waterfall, Towards the longest fall. No one lifts a finger to help me, As I flounder past them on the shore. They all hoot and push me back, Each time I scramble near their feet. The edge is coming closer, The torrent’s getting strong, My tears mix with the water, As my classmates all look on. I must be tough, I must not fall, I must ignore their words, But they know just where it hurts, And it’s too late to save me now. I wonder as I’m dragged along, Where this all began, When the stream turned to a torrent, Why it got so strong. A new face appears on the shore, One not twisted up with laughter. This new face is smiling, As someone reaches out a hand. I see the others behind you, As you reach out from the shore, Watch them creep up, ready, I shout out, but almost drown. They pushed you in, I saw it, But you just swim up close, Instead of heading for the shore, Or waiting for the edge. You grab my hand and pull me, Towards the far off shore, Whispering comfort in my ear, For the fast flow never slows. Finally we reach it, And you pull yourself out, But I am well and truly trapped, Their words embedded in my mind. You do not listen to me, now, You will not leave me here, You drag me up, onto dry land, As my burden disappears. We don’t know why bullying happens, But one thing we’re certain of, For everyone who dislikes you, Many more will love. I know it’s hard, I know they’re cruel, But don’t let yourself be caught, Inside the vicious waterfall, Of their words and laughter. But if you are, remember, That you’ll never walk alone. Someone’s right beside you, Even through the storm.