Friday Headlines
the weekly newsletter from EHS
First EHS Poetry Slam a Hit
01 April 2022
60 students from across all year groups came together in the Drama Studio last Friday lunchtime for a Poetry Slam. Hosted by EHS Poet Laureate Lujayn, the first ever Poetry Slam was a huge hit and it was really rewarding to see so many students perform their poetry in such a welcoming and supportive environment.
The theme was culture and diversity, and there were many fantastic, original poems performed. It was very difficult to decide which poem to feature in this article, because the quality was so high. Nevertheless, Gursharan in Year 12 contributed this wonderful piece, which segued perfectly into our Culture Day which took place at the end of term. Thank you very much to all students who contributed or just came to listen and lend their support. We look forward to this being the first of many Poetry Slams to come!
Mr Smith
Here are a few words from Gursharan about the inspiration behind her poem:
“When I was sent the theme of culture for the poetry slam, I realised that a huge part of my culture growing up was poetry. And so, I wrote this poem in a similar way to how I
would have as a child - as a rhyming poem because I thought that every poem had to rhyme! I hope you enjoy it.”
MY CULTURE IS by Gursharan Bhamra
my culture is singing songs
until the sun goes down
and crying whilst holding hands
when we see the bride’s gown
my culture is drinking a hot cup of tea
before it’s even had a chance to cool down
and playing music so loud at weddings
that it wakes up the whole town
my culture is learning from my grandma
how to cook and make food just like hers
it’s making a mess all around the kitchen
laughing about it until we’re in tears
my culture is passing down secret remedies
of herbal teas and unknown mixtures
it’s looking through the old photo albums
laughing at everyone’s baby pictures
my culture is watching football with my grandad
and screaming when England get the ball
he’s not from here
but nevertheless, he screams when they score
my culture is holding each other’s back when we fall
it’s what we make it when we’re put down by others
it’s made up of so many wonderful things
like supporting our sisters and brothers
my culture is everything around me
everything that’s nurtured me to become this person
it’s got so many different parts to it
just like me and society and all of our different versions
Poetry Slam
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