er In Y w o Po Short
cket o P ur
& Poems
Pocket ur
Stories
Links
2
By Parents From Rochdale
wer In Yo Po Borough
er In Y w o Po Short
cket o P ur
& Poems
Pocket ur
Stories
Links
2
By Parents From Rochdale
wer In Yo Po Borough
Links 2 Power In Your Pocket Edited by: Danielle Porter & Courtney Hayles
Photography by: Rebecca Lupton
With special thanks to: The parents and their children Sajjad Miah, Rochdale Cohesion Hub Darnhill Library Deeplish Sure Start Children’s Centre Deeplish Community Centre Sandbrook Sure Start Children’s Centre Langley Library Langley Sure Start Children’s Centre
Booklet Design by: William Frank at XYLO. www.xylomcr.com
Published by: Tell Us Another One at Cartwheel Arts 110 Manchester Street, Heywood Lancashire OL10 1DW 01706 361300 www.tellusanotherone.org www.cartwheelarts.org.uk
Power In Your Pocket took place across the borough of Rochdale in 2017 in the neighbourhoods of Darnhill, Deeplish, Kirkholt and Langley. The project follows on from the original Links project in 2015, which engaged with many different groups of people who were resident in the borough and used creative writing as a means to explore diversity within the borough, helping us to realise our cultural similarities and celebrate our cultural differences. This 2nd edition looks at another commonality across cultures – our children. Each group was comprised of parents who worked with professional writers and digital artists, exploring what it means to be a parent through creative writing and accessible technology at one’s fingertips. On our journey we’ve met parents who were not only funny, quick witted and focused, they are also courageous, brave and honest storytellers writing the most heart-warming stories of parenthood the good, the bad and the....less appealing. You can find out more about the project by visiting our website where you can listen to live recordings, view pictures and read our blog. Please look on the back page to scan our QR code. Power In Your Pocket has been produced in partnership by the Tell Us Another One project at Cartwheel Arts and Rochdale Cohesion Hub. Tell Us Another One is a creative writing project, run by Cartwheel Arts and funded by Big Lottery Fund, and supported by local authorities in the three Greater Manchester boroughs of Rochdale, Bury and Oldham. The company promotes social inclusion, cohesion, diversity and regeneration through community participation in vibrant, innovative, high-quality arts projects. We hope you enjoy this selection of work. All work in the book is © copyright the authors.
introduction 8
9
MICHELLE GREEN Michelle has toured the UK with her poetry, performing in slams, festivals, literature events and cabarets, collaborating with musicians, visual artists and other writers. In 2005 she won the North West Regional Slam competition. And after working for a humanitarian aid agency in West Darfur she penned Jebel Marra - The book has since been longlisted for the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award, the Edge Hill Prize, and the Polari First Book Prize. Michelle regularly facilitates creative writing sessions and is working on a new book.
SHAMSHAD KHAN
Shamshad is a poet and coach in creative writing and resilience. She works with individuals and groups using writing as a tool to empower individuals and develop communities. Her poetry collection, Megalomaniac, was published by Salt in 2007 and has been a set text on the English degree at Lancaster University. She is currently working with the Horse and Bamboo puppet theatre on a show called The Moonwatcher.
featured artists 10
CLAIRE MOONEY
Claire is a singer, songwriter, broadcaster and poet. For three years she wrote a song about current affairs each week for BBC Radio Manchester. Her poetry has been included in numerous anthologies and her albums have received national critical acclaim. She regularly works in community settings using radio, writing and music techniques to engage with individuals and groups.
NICK FARRIMOND Nick is an experienced Producer of digital content. As a former founder, owner and director of production company Seal Films, Nicholas was instrumental in the company’s growth, winning numerous industry awards. He now operates as a freelance film-maker and digital arts practitioner, working with various organisations, artists and community groups to develop and produce high quality creative content.
COURTNEY HAYLES Courtney is a British theatre actor, writer, drama teacher and a communication coach. Through his attitude to delivering excellence in his technical and ethical delivery, young people respect him as a consummate professional and most of all as a mentor and life coach. 11
MOTHER
Tracy Wynn edited by Shamshad Khan
THE
The bond Life is an open box of opportunities Be whatever you want it to be Life can be hard But we can get through it.
HEART 12
13
“chin up my little daisy chain” advice 14
Bailey, it may seem like mummy talks a lot about what seems like nothing to you, but one day it will all make sense.
I’M WRITING THIS FOR YOU One day, the words I speak will make sense, and things will become clearer to you. All those times you wished I would just shut up - there will be a reason to why I have said them. Just remember, I have been where you are now, and I have said the same thing to nanna, but now that I have grown up and became a mother myself, all the little things make sense and I now realise that they are wise words, and maybe I should have listened a lot sooner. So this is my gift to you, which I hope will help guide you through any life event you feel you may need help with. So chin up my little daisy chain, and have fun being who you want to be. Mr T
15
Be healthy, be happy, be good I know you want to be understood Don’t want the world to be cruel Peace, love and health should rule Stay safe I will protect you I love you that’s true Be clever stay away from dangers May you always meet the kindness of strangers Successful, is what I want you to be Big hugs little one, stay close, stay close to me.
No matter how much I am dealing with she is always there for me She helps me not to be scared No matter how old we get she will always be there for us No matter what we do she will always love us She teaches us so much She helps us to get over our fears She is our role model She is the reason we trust people What would we do without her? Without her we would not be here We all need our mums
Shamin, Josephina, Abel
Never mind the negative vibes around you they don’t matter Block them out and move on. On your path of success go for whatever you want as long as your intentions are clear you will succeed in everything you do. Syeda Areeb Noaman
MUM
Izzy
ADVICE
HOPES AND DREAMS
FOR OUR CHILDREN
MOTHER’S 16
17
a letter to you
Dear Tracy, Your life has been hard from the start, with losing your mum at such an early age and you always worried you wouldn’t know how to raise your own children. Well now’s the time to see the past nineteen years have been a struggle but within those years you have raised five beautiful children who love and respect you and rely on you each and every day. You have a very special bond that can never be taken away that you never had yourself. No matter how hard things got or how you felt, you were the strong one that kept positive and motivated and guided the children to be the fantastic individuals they have become today.
18
You’re the heartbeat of the family. Without you their life would be chaos. You motivate their every step and praise them individually on how they achieve. You show them how to respect themselves, each other and others they meet, to love, help and listen to each other. You help them feel better when they are upset. You nurse them better when they are ill. You tell them you love them every night before you go to bed. You really don’t realise just what you do each and every day. So I just want to say- Well done you deserve it. You should be so very proud!
You’ve always been strong, even more than you know. You’re the mother to five beautiful children. The bond is so strong. You guide, you praise, you love, you set boundaries, but you always consider the freedom they need to grow independent in themselves.
Your children are always happy and doing so well at school. It’s time you sit back and look at what you now have. Give yourself the pat on the back that you really deserve.
A LETTER FROM ME TO YOU
Love from your younger self
Well done. You have a family to be proud of. Five children you raise in your own loving ways, with love, support and praise.
Tracy Wynn
19
When I was asked what I wanted my story to be about, I didn’t want to bore you with my ‘what ifs’ or my mistakes. So instead I want to teach you a lesson. My lesson to you!
DAY DOT
I have not got loads to say at the minute as I am only 13 weeks pregnant with you. I have been told I might have to have you early as both your sister and brother were small babies and came early, and because I smoke but I am trying to stop for you. You danced on your 12 week scan and waved, and Auntie Toni, Bailey and Isaac were there and were excited to see you, and so was I.
Mr T
DE A
Me and your daddy love you and can’t wait to find out if you will be a boy or a girl. Daddy says boy, I said a girl, but now I am thinking boy – lol but don’t tell Daddy, his head is big enough as it is lol.
R MP
So my lesson to you is that sometimes accidents or mistakes have a greater outcome. Not to jump in with your decision, but to sit and think, to weigh all your options up and only make the right decision for you. You don’t have to please anyone but yourself.
You are bigger than your sister was at your stage, but smaller than your brother, but your scan picture looked like your sister’s.
BU
From the second I found out that I was pregnant with you, my whole life collapsed and fell apart right before me. Never did I think I could love another human the way I do. I sat and I wondered if I could give you the love and care you were going to need. I sat and I wondered if I could give you a life. Going ahead with becoming a parent was a scary decision, but I did it, and never would I change anything about you or our journey. Even the tough times - they are what make our story belong to us.
I just want you to know whatever happens we all love you so much, and your big sister can’t wait to meet you. She is already reading and singing you songs and says she doesn’t want to make you cry. Your big brother Elijah is too young to understand what’s going on but I know he will love you and love to play with you when you get bigger.
Auntie Toni and Bailey are looking forward to meeting you and Bailey asked if you will be here soon a lot lol, and she gives you kisses and cuddles. Isaac is too young to understand as well but you will be mates with him. We all love you and can’t wait to meet you, nut. Stay in there as long as you can, please, and please stop giving mummy bad pains lol Love you Love Mummy xxxx
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Dear Ellie-May and Elijah James I hope you get everything out of life you could ever want/need. I am so thankful that I got you both; you are what kept me going, without you both I don’t think I could cope.
To Ellie-May I hated being without you for that year you were in care. It killed me nearly not being able to be with you or see you every day. But I did everything possible to get you back and it was not an easy task but you are worth it and I got you back. I never gave up on you, or us, as I knew you would come home because it was the best place for you. I prayed every day and so did a lot of people. It took a long time to get you home and now I would not be without you, I love you so much. I knew you’d not had the best start to life but I have done my best for you. To Elijah-James
M O R F TS C A EXTR
ER T T E AL
You kept me going while times were hard. I did not know the whole time I was carrying you if I would be able to keep you but I knew I would never let you go. The morning you were born my heart broke but I also knew I could/would never let anyone hurt you. I would like to thank you for your smiles and how happy you are in the mornings and all day - even when you are poorly you are still a happy little man.
I love you both so much. And I would love to say a big thank you to god for giving me both of you. Love from mummy Izzy
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23
SACRIFICE
sacrifice
24
such a heavy word that holds so much meaning when put into practice Syeda Areeb Noaman
25
THE MOTHER IN ME
by Izzy
Saira Ahmed
My little one x
STARFISH
I always knew what I wanted To have you and work too I have so much still to do But it’s ok, I have you Sometimes I wonder What it would be like without you Excel in my career But one look at you And I know I made the right choice One smile from you, One glance into your eyes And my heart melts You are mine And I am yours I will continue my career With you by my side Stopping for you every time.
You can’t feed yourself I feel guilty Because sometimes I’m busy with my little ones It’s your voice The look on your face At home You call me I take responsibility Mamma! Mummy! Mamma Shu! What should I do? They pick up on everything And daddy says he knows best Playtime And bath time Two parents fighting over who reads the bedtime story Sometimes we do it together and we wonder who describes the characters the best?
This is my hard work This is my home My commitment to you Group piece by the parents from Deeplish
A MOTHER’S LOVE A FATHER’S HEART A PARENT’S MIND 26
27
ES CASTL SAND
Oliwia, I’m looking at you now and I can’t believe how big you are and so grown up. We spent so much time together: G o in g t o t h e p ar k Playgroups Playing at home Cooking together (chocolate muffins) Arts and Crafts (Do you remember making Christmas Decorations?) And laUGhing…….. Soooooooooooooooooooo much laughter (I’m smiling right now) Now I look at you and see myself and everything just stopped. It’s you. It’s the both of you. My TWO daughters And I just see love. It’s the way you care for one another. Your Voice.
perspective
It’s the way you tilt your head whenever you ask Suzanka ‘Aww! What’s wrong?’ It’s your face and the emotion in your hands. It’s what I taught you. It’s you at 10.5 years old. ALL. GROWN. UP Emilia Wolska
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Once, when we lived in our first house when your papa came from Pakistan, you were two and a half, and you said to me, “Mama, are we in a book?” And I just remember laughing and saying, “Gosh, yes we are!”
I need to find my way to the place where my heart lives Shattered. Worrying takes over, Feelings of loneliness and sadness surround me.
Today I asked the same question: “Dua, do you remember the book you asked me about? Are we still in that book? Aged 7 you said to me, “Mama, yes we are in a book. It’s a big book, and when it will close that’s when we will all not be here.”
Escape and breathe again Life is for the taking Steps to where I want to be.
Syeda Areeb Noaman
There’s the way out – Hold my hand, let’s go.
My children please take care. Tehmina 30
TIMES SOME
AXED G REL FEELIN
Feeling relaxed... I need to talk with my sister and tell her about my problems. Feeling relaxed… I want to spend time with my husband at the end of the day (Coffee, crisps, blankets and romantic Indian movie). Feeling relaxed… When I feel tired I just want to sleep stress free with no noise around me. Feeling relaxed… I want to teach Urdu, the Quran and Tejweed in the community. I want my son and three daughters to be highly educated and to follow Islam. Feeling relaxed… I think about the world and how beautiful it is and I make this daily wish for my children and yours. More peace More love More care
EVER TMAS CHRIS BEST
It’s amazing, your understanding of everything. You’re such a clever girl, and you have such an imagination. You will defiantly shine wherever you stand.
Caring, sharing, but heat and suffocation.
Saira Ahmed
HINE NTLY S DEFIA
IN, WALK OUT WALK
Walk in, walk out Not feeling quite there Open space, no bearing, not what it seems.
It was morning. They were both still in their PJs.
They came to me on the sofa and I thought - Perfect moment. Both sat in front of the Christmas tree. I said to Harvey (5 years old), ‘Let’s have a pic with your sis.’ He agreed, and pulled some funny face for his sister (1 year old) she copied him… And I managed to capture this on my phone.
I felt all warm inside, and do every time I look at it.
Anonymous
Sometimes I feel excited because I have time for myself. Sometimes stress makes me tired. Sometimes I feel happy because it’s a sunny day. Sometimes I feel proud of my kids because I know it’s my hard work. Sometimes – I feel lonely, even if my house is full of people. Emilia
31
MY DAUGHTER AND MY CAT BOTH MY GIRLS My daughter deep like the sea Courageous and brave unlike me In quiet solitude she likes to write Long into the night
with love
ABIGAIL & ALFIE Artistic and creative Brave and beautiful Intelligent and bright Giving and emotional Adventurous and strong Impressive and cheeky Loving and kind
Into the night my cat takes flight Slower these days and not so light She makes a noise and doesn’t care As she wakes me up - how unfair.
Adorable and handsome Loving and full of life Funny and friendly Incredibly lyrical Energetic and ear- splitting
Hazel
Keelie
PORTRAIT OF MY CHILDREN
CIAN
You’re a work of art You’re expressive, you star You’re strong and hold up the world Making it beautiful With many strings to your bow You’re like summer sunshine, A breath of fresh air All of you different, all with flair.
Courageous, no fear in him Intelligent Amazing Number one My boy Cian. Lisa
S 32
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5 MINUTES Special, unique, happy, kind, honest, fun That’s what children are As they go into the future May these talents take them far Special and unique that’s what my children are Taking on each day With all the ups and downs That come their way Happy and kind that’s what my children are Smiling and laughing with every new find Precious gifts to share Being happy, being kind Honest and fun that’s what my children are Helping and sharing with those below par The sun shines in their faces As they go to exciting places With all these qualities hold them fast Long may their goodness stay and last They deserve the best Let life do the rest Hazel
5 minutes… My love takes me upstairs & over to you. 5 minutes… Of kisses & prayers. I hope all of your dreams come true. 5 minutes… Picking up missing shoes & school bags I do this for you. 5 minutes… Trying to find the missing toys you can’t find and the happiness on your face when you and they reunite. 5 minutes… Deep inside my thoughts I remember my childhood and how good it was. 5 minutes… To kiss you 5 minutes more. And that’s why 5 minutes with you make up the best minutes of my life. Tehmina
KYAH HOPE Kiss, cuddle, snuggle, You came out in a struggle A long night it was How I love you...just because Here you are now Off on your travels on daddy’s shoulders Practicing your skills, playful you are Every day unravels... Shamin
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35
When was the last time you looked at your child and really saw them? 36
37
THE MOON IS THE SKY’S BELLBUTTON Katrina has her own unique style – Lots of Love Confidence Big brown eyes and chubby cheeks She is very funny and says interesting things. Kayleigh
My youngest girl likes to dance and sing She’s always ready to help everyone Happy and smiling Lovely curly hair Big brown eyes Very kind Anonymous
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39
BUT WHY? Because he is ve
ry tired after wo
rk
Because sometimes pe
ople leave our lives
Because I am your mummy and I said so
Because you will have fun and play with other children Because it hurts
Because things that come into your body need to come out to make space Because I want you to have a good job in the future
uldn’t like it Because you wo you to if it was done Because you have to
learn
Because some people still have their daddies involved
Because she’s busy and gets tired
Because I have got no money
Because you need sleep Because I need you
Because I love you
Kirkholt and Deeplish Writers 40
41
BRAVE Brave is reading your words out loud Brave is showing your tears Brave is your own style - not fitting into the crowd Brave is not caring what people think of you Letting someone new into your life Brave is owning up Doing things that are important, even if you are scared. Brave is jumping in the canal to save him not knowing how deep the bottom is or if I can swim. Brave is trusting Mr Burton when he says, ‘Are you gonna do this?’ Brave is year 8, new school, singing on the stage. Brave is letting go, emotionally. Brave is lions Tigers Bears – Oh my! Baby birds learning to fly by jumping from the tree. Brave is crossing the river Brave is mother, sacrificing for your child Brave is red brave is yellow Brave is pink Brave in your chest Brave arms – when they’re not shaking, I know I’m brave. Brave is head and mind Brave is sweat, it is mentally preparing Brave is going on Brave is going on Kayleigh, Mr T, Izzy, Sonya and Areeb 42
Produced by Tell Us Another One at Cartwheel Arts -----------------------------------------------------------------Listen, read and look to Power In Your Pocket here:
Instructions You need to download a free QR code app to use with the camera on your smart phone or tablet Android fans can try either RedLaser or QR Droid, BlackBerry users will like QR Code Scanner Pro and iPhone users need to go to your wallet. When you launch your app of choice, you'll see that your phones camera is activated, with on-screen framing guide. Line up the camera on your device with the QR code and hold the device steady until the app can read it.