A national poetry competition for children has revealed the significant impact that adults’ words can have on young lives. The competition, run by Words Matter in partnership with the UK’s leading children’s newspaper, First News, gave children a platform to explore how words can either support, uplift, and empower them, or hurt, isolate, and leave lasting scars.
The competition was inspired by a moving poem written by Tally Gilbert and brought to life by 13-year-old Ethan in Words Matter’s short film, which was shared widely this summer.
More than 100 original poems were received each filled with honesty, creativity, and emotion – highlighting how much the subject resonated with young people and the desire to share their voice. The judging panel – including poet Tally Gilbert, First News Editor-in-Chief Nicky Cox, actor Will Poulter, and Words Matter founder Jessica Bondy – faced the difficult task of selecting winners from an exceptional group of young writers. A first, second, and third prize were awarded, and 10 runners-up received special recognition – up from the original five – reflecting the overwhelming quality and creativity of all submissions.
Poet Tally Gilbert said:
“The standard of entries was incredibly high, and it was a privilege to read such powerful work. Each poem was unique, full of vivid imagery and heartfelt expression. To all who entered – keep writing! Your words are a reminder of why words really do matter.”
Words Matter founder Jessica Bondy added:
“We are thrilled to celebrate these young poets, whose work shows the profound effect that adult words can have on children. A huge congratulations to all the winners, and a heartfelt thank you to every young poet who took part. Your words inspire us and strengthen our mission: to shine a light on the impact of verbal abuse, and to encourage adults to use words to build children up, not break them down.”
Competition winners:
1st prize – Isabelle
Words Can Be Weapons
That stab you in the heart.
They can make you feel worthless.
They can tear you apart.
Words can be a prison.
Locking you away.
Leaving you in darkness.
Day after day.
Words should be chosen.
With caution and care.
Not to cause harm.
Not to despair.
But words can be beautiful.
If chosen right.
Words can heal.
They can show you the light.
Words are a gift.
To give and receive.
Words are like magic.
They make you believe.
The words you say about yourself.
They are important too.
Because words really matter.
And so do you.
2nd prize – Adele
Words Matter
Some words hit harder
Than any punch in the face
Like when you laughed at my hearing aid
And called me broken in front of everyone
Some words feel like lifelines
When the noise is too much to take
Like when someone whispered You’re strong for this
And for once, it didn’t feel fake
Some words are wildfire
Spreading rumours, I can’t erase
Some words are bandages
Covering scars, I still can’t face
Don’t say just words
Like they don’t bruise or heal
Every syllable you throw at me
Proves if I’m invisible or real
3rd prize – Mafoya
My sadness doesn’t tend to come from
A scraped knee
Or
A movie’s end
My sadness tends
To come from when you say
“WHY CAN’T YOU DO IT RIGHT?”
With a Nigerian touch of
“My friend”.
My happiness doesn’t tend to come from
A new phone
Or my favourite flavour, Toblerone
My happiness tends to come from
Your quick smile as you say
“I’m proud of you.”
Or
“I love you.”
As we dance to a merry tune.
My frustration doesn’t tend to come from
An annoying classmate
Or
When I can’t seem to concentrate
My frustration tends to come from
When you say
“This is too hard for you to do.”
Even after I prove that
No problem is too great.
My affection doesn’t come from
A great big hug
Or
A cute new pug
It comes from knowing
Your words make me sad
Happy…
Frustrated…
All in the name…
Of Love
Runners-up: Aiva, Ayla, Ella, George, Jack, Lilly-Rose, Max, Muhammad, Rafe, Zaineb
All winning poems will be featured across First News and Words Matter’s websites and social media channels. These poems will continue to inspire adults and children alike, showing the profound effect words can have on young lives.