THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

When the night falls in our town

In winter, shrouded in her misty dark gown

Life stands still and it's so cold

And who'd brave to go out, who'd be so bold!

Snuggled in a blanket warm

And safe from winter's harm

My eyes would struggle hard to hold

With the tip of my nose so cold!

My hands would not dare to come out

'Homework' My mother would shout

From the kitchen- the only warm place in the universe

With the smell of delicious soup and the warmth of hers.