I am so lucky to have just returned from a visit to the Pilbara region, in the North of Western Australia where, alongside three other creatives, and staff from FORM, I was part of the Scribblers on the Road Festival.
We visited the towns of Port Hedland, Marble Bar and Newman, as well as remote community schools, hoping to spread a love of creativity, and to empower young people to tell their own stories through writing, art and storytelling. It was an amazing journey – over some verrrrrry bumpy roads and through the most stunning red dirt scenery imaginable. You can see some of the things we saw and did in this little video (look out for the bumpy road clip)
All the scenery and the great company on the trip was of course very special, but the highlight was meeting young people willing to have us visit their communities. Even though we were there to share our knowledge, we were also learning from the people we met. I learnt a lot about giving and receiving, about the stories of the children we worked with, about languages other than English, and so much more. But perhaps one of my favourite lessons was from a girl called Matilda, in Marble Bar, who asked me, after I’d run a poetry workshop, why I talked so much.
I do talk A LOT (I have ADHD) but I also value listening, and Matilda’s question led me to ask one of my own. ‘I’m going to listen to you right now,’ I said. ‘What do you want me to know about you?’ Matilda thought about this and, with some help from her friends, started to tell me about the things she likes doing. I sat and listened, but also started writing and, when Matilda had finished, I told her she’d just made up a poem of her own – and she had. I’d simply written it down as she spoke.
Later, I added a title and typed it up and, with now, with Matilda’s permission here it is:
You Should Know That
Salted plum lollies,
playing on my phone,
going swimming
or down to the river,
walking around
annoying people
playing basketball
going to the pool
or driving really fast
are all
much
much
much
better than school!
By Matilda and Sally
Thank you Matilda for reminding me of the importance of being quiet long enough to hear what is important to the people you meet, and for being willing to let me share your poem with the world.
I am home now in the South West, feeling a little cold 9winter is here! but also with lifelong memories of the amazing Pilbara to keep me warm. And, because it is now Friday, I am sharing this post with the Poetry Friday community – a group of poets and poetry lovers from all over the world who share poetry every Friday. If you want to check it out, Denise is sharing a round up.
Your video was so much fun to watch. I felt the joy. And I *love* the way you showed Matilda the poetry she has inside. ❤️ What a happy, heartfelt experience!
I’m very nervous and shy, which unfortunately turns into me talking – a lot! I need the reminder to slow down and listen, too. You never know what you might miss otherwise!
Sally: What a trip!!! I’m a bit jealous, seeing all that red earth and those little children. I love your response to Matilda’s question… really it could not be better. And now she has a poem all about herself! Thanks for sharing this!
I enjoyed your virtual Scribblers Festival video, bumps and all, and Matilda’s poem too—Sounds like a rich experience all around, thanks Sally!
It was a rich experience indeed. thanks for sharing vicariously.
Your trip exudes joy, Sally! Thanks for sharing it via video, photos, and the sweet collaboration with Mathilda.
Thank you Patricia. I am still smiling days later – glad I could share some glimpses with you.
Sally, what a beautiful way to respond to Matilda’s observation. The poem is full of wonderful details (and is making me curious about salted plum lollies!). P.S. I sent you a message about the kickoff of the Winter/Summer Poem Swap today and it bounced back. For some reason, your email program rejected it?
yes Tabatha, I also wondered about the lollies, and wanted to ask, but also didn’t want to overshadow the moment with too many questions. I have just sent you an email, and if I don’t hear back I’ll assume you didn’t receive and will email from a different address.
Oh, Sally, you had such a marvelous adventure! I loved the video and the lesson gained from Matilda that you shared, poetry unbound, right? Now it’s time to keep cozy as my AC comes on! Thanks for the great post!
Thanks for sharing with me, Linda.
Oh, Sally, this is so beautiful. The countryside, the ideas Matilda shared with you. I so love that she asked you about your talking, and that you responded with listening, really listening. I loved catching that glimpse of her personality through the poem, and I’m glad she let you share it with the world. Lovely! I even liked the bumpy road.
Thank you Denise. It was a magic moment for me – a reminder of the absolute pleasure that listening can be.
My son went to all of those places when he was woking at Newman recently. He absolutely loved it. A beautiful part of Australia. And what a wonderful lesson to learn/share. (Well done, Matilda.)
It is such beautiful country, Kat. Thanks for dropping by.