Poetry and Art to bring us hope- from Calum aged 12
Today we have a very special guest blog. It comes from a young man who has many talents. Today he shares his poetry and art with us. I came across the poem below on his mum Ciara’s Facebook page and it blew me away. So I asked Ciara if Calum would guest on my blog. Happily he said yes. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce Calum. Calum says…
Hi, my name is Calum and I’m 12 years old. I’m a yr8 pupil at St Malachy’s College in Belfast, Ireland. This is a poem that I wrote as a piece of English work for school during the remote learning period. I felt the worry and fear of family and friends around the virus, but as a community we were coming together to fight back. I was especially proud of my close family members working as frontline staff in the hospitals at this time.
I have used a lot of the lockdown time to work on my passion of art – it has been my own personal retreat at this time. Thank you for taking the time to read my poem. Look after yourself & each other.
Calum
COVID 19
I am Corona, I am everywhere.
Stand back and watch, I bring widespread despair.
I’ll rage like a tsunami and I’ll force through the air.
From the heart of your family, loved ones I will tear.
But we are the people, together we care.
We’ll stay home united, strengthened by prayer.
I am Corona, I’ll defeat you this day.
An invisible predator; you are my prey.
I’ll cripple your economy, leave you hungry today.
I thrive on desperation, loneliness and affray.
But we are community, our part we will play.
Food parcels, home visits are coming your way.
I am Corona, hospitals fear me.
Your cavalry lacks arsenal – you’ve no PPE.
No ventilators, no vaccine, no way to break free.
I am invincible! I won’t heed your plea!
But we are mankind, with our NHS army!
Applauding our heroes, battling for you & for me.
I am Corona, how dare you defend!
I came here to conquer, to bring about your end.
But we are triumphant – our world’s on the mend.
There is no force stronger than the love of a friend.
We supported our neighbour to flatten that bend.
With rainbows in windows, tomorrow is ours to spend.
(Both the poem and the artwork are by Calum)


5 Comments
Laurence
Beautiful.
Caren Collins
What a great poem Callum. It really captures the atmosphere of this strange time! Keep writing and drawing, you are a very talented young man.
Anonymous
I knew Calum as a baby, what a kind talented young Man he is, I’m sure there’s a lot more to come, well done Calum
Geraldine Rafferty
That was amazing well done Calum. You have been blessed with a wonderful gift never give up on it xx
Theresa
Wow ! Calum you have been able to put it all into words. Brilliant up and coming 🌟