Read the Voices 2022 Anthology
The Voices 2022 winners are:
Winner of the Primary category: ‘This is Me’ by Alex, age 10
Judges Patrice Lawrence and Jarvis said: “We loved the original take on the brief. Some unusual language and great touches of humour. It jumps off the page and you can feel the author through their words. You get the feeling the author loves playing with words and phrases, and is really having fun writing, and this makes it fun to read.”
Winner of the Lower Secondary category: ‘This is Me’ by Tilesha, age 14
Judges Jenny Molloy and Chris Wild said: “We were captivated by this poem as it took us somewhere else emotively. We could feel, hear and see the writer. Great use of words, visceral from the soul. It’s punchy, short and sweet but more than anything, it really makes you think. Incredible piece of creative work.”
Winner of the Upper Secondary category: ‘My Journey’ by Sebur, age 15
Judges Mr Gee and Callen Martin said: “We loved this poem! It has a clever use of repetition that really hammers home the stark imagery of surviving such a dangerous voyage. The opening line “Coming here was not part of the plan” sets the reader on a truly harrowing journey, where every second of life is to be cherished.”
Winner of the Care Leaver category: ‘This is Me’ by A.P., age 18
Judges Emma Norry and Stacey Halls said: “We were blown away by the writer’s natural talent, they presented a very unique and passionate piece about their experience. Their poem is raw and unfiltered and really expresses their sense of self. It stood out with energy and passion. We loved how it didn’t try to encapsulate an entire lifetime, much more of a moment, reflecting back which grounded us in a time and place very effectively.”