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

I had a dream,

When nobody was perfect.

A place where the young ones were not reposing themselves,

A place where young girls could feel safe again,

A place where people could be human again.

A place where sadness was like a myth or a tale,

A place where people could learn to love again.

A place free of cages and chains,

A place full of fairies and saints.

I woke up in bed,

All I saw was a world of despair.

Where people were judged on sizes and shapes,

Where people were classified on colour and race.

A place where everyone wanted a perfect figure,

A place where feelings of judgement always linger.

I wish I could have slept forever,

Living in that world of love and care.