On 25th April 2025, we gathered at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, UK for our “Write, Eat, Share” event. This was a celebration of the projects funded by the Sam Orton Fund. In particular, everyone took part in activities from our creative writing sessions and we shared the work from learner-writers who participated.
Between the activities and wonderful food provided by Gashin, we had some speeches. Here is the speech by Esther, one of Heart and Parcel’s learner-volunteers.
Hi, I’m Esther.
Before the event, I asked in our WhatsApp group how many people would be here. I said if there were over 1,000 people, I might lose it. And now, I think I’m almost there. So I promise I won’t talk for too long. (Takes out a long speech paper)
Just to be clear, I’m definitely not the best in the class, I say this now so I won’t get emotional damage later. Clare promised me this event would be lovely, and that everyone here is lovely. And don’t get me wrong, you really are.
So, one of our writing exercises was about writing story about the garden, who we met there, what happened, and how it ended. I combined someone’s story about a fox with a robin I saw myself. That’s how this poem came about:
Mr. Fox jumped out of the box,
Knocked on Robin’s door, what a shock!
“Hello there, friend, are you inside?
Come out to play, no need to hide!”
You know, it’s hard to share your creations with people. I’m always afraid of being judged or compared. Do you know Lady Gaga? She has a song called Born This Way. And honestly, I think my people were born to be mean.
When I told my friend I was joining a poetry writing class, do you know how she reacted? In a very British way, she said, “Oh, poem? Interesting.” But what she really meant was, “Huh? YOU? Writing poems? YOU?! What do you even know about poems ar? Anyway, looking forward.”
But the creative writing class turned out to be completely different. Everyone there is so supportive, patient, and respectful. I remember we had a moment when we were sharing about using English as our second — or third, or even fourth — language. And we talked about how there are always so many words stuck in our hearts that we just can’t express. People can’t always understand what we’re thinking, or how smart we are… or how funny I am.
It’s like when you have the perfect joke, but the topic changes before you get to say it. That’s how I feel when I speak English.
But that’s what good writing does, like Master George said, “Writing is like speaking in silence.”
So, before I read my last poem, please give a clap to the friends I met in this class, for being so supportive, patient, and respectful.
And especially for Alex and Clare, please give them two claps.
This next poem I wrote after my winter depression finally lifted, and I returned to the creative writing class. When I can saw the sun after 4pm I Feel like I have never felt so alive.
I see light, I feel warm.
Nature has wakened and the storm is gone.
Bye darkness, hello world.
Sunshine is here and life’s unfurled.
Thank you✨
