Three Northcote College students, Tessa Forde (Year 13), Hannah Coombridge (Year 12) and Sophea Ing (Year 11), were selected as finalists in the Birkenhead Library Poetry Competition held as part of the events celebrating the opening of the new Library and Civic Centre. All six selected finalists read their poems at the opening ceremony on Saturday 13 March. Hannah Coombridge’s poem was chosen as the winner and her poem will be included on a page in the new Birkenhead Library’s commemorative book. Tessa Forde’s poem was chosen in second place.

Birkenhead Library

As my dozing mind awakes I am aware;

Aware of the sun warming my back, ridding burdened trees of dew.

Aware of buzzing cicadas and chirping birds.

Aware of newly baked bread sweetening the salty sea breeze.

Aware of freshly mown grass, scented flowers in bloom.

My sleepy eyes drift open and I see;

I see an elderly couple, arm in arm, moving slowly through the park.

I see a businessman, briefcase in hand, and a purposeful stride.

I see a young mother, teary eyed, waving off her 5 year old.

I see uniformed students throwing a ball, laughing on their way to school.

Suddenly, brakes screech,

A car horn sounds,

Heads snap.

Deep brown eyes are confused,

Frightened,

Panicked.

Mercifully a kindly face appears,

Calm and reassuring,

A smile helps ease the situation,

And a friendly hand leads the way to safety.

Before strangers turn away, brown eyes gaze at blue

Speaking volumes, saying “Thank-you”

And here I stand, tall and proud.

Here I stand, marvelling at the scene

Here I stand, for all to enjoy,

Here I stand, now part of this community.

                Hannah Coombridge