Stutting Stratford

A Poem for Suffolk has taken me back to some places and schools I've visited before. It was my third visit to Stratford St Mary Primary School, on the Suffolk/Essex border (in the heart of John Constable country) and the second time I've worked with what is now Year 5/6. Last year they were responsible for a lovely Group Poem about a tree called 'Bob Walter' (see the post below). I put the poem on Facebook and it got some good comments from poets all over the world (including one from the legendary American poet David Kirby). I shared the comments with them and then read them the poem while they were busy working out who wrote which line. 'Apple crumble! That's me!' said Callum, 'I was into apple crumble then!'

So, how to follow Bob Walter? This time I wanted them to tell me about their village and what it was made of. From dragons to chocolate they told me. And not enough houses. And everyone seemed scared of the lady in the post office. 'She's nice! I like her!' said some in her defence. 'But she just stares at you' said another. Unfortunately the post office was closed, so I couldn't visit. You'll just have to use your imagination...

STRUTTING STRATFORD

Stratford is a slow village but be careful.

It has edges made of sweets

it wants a name like Candy

it’s infested with chocolate

it says, Slow down with that chocolate.

Stratford loves garlic mayonaisure

where the River Stour smells like fish fingers.

It’s medium sized

but says I’m bigger than you!

It has too many fields – aint enough houses.

It’s a ghost village full of tiny terrors

it has a secret garden full of crocodiles

a dragon on the river bed that swallows pike in one

a scary lady in the post office

a devourer of coins.

Stratford says, I spy strangers!

It loves long walks to Langham

it’s where people run through the streets

and shout, that’s the way to strut!

You have been warned.

Year 5/6, Stratford St Mary Primary

#StruttingStratford #StratfordStMary