Thomas Keating-Jones wins the Bronze Medal in the John Muir Writing Competition – Wild Inside for his poem in the under 18 year old section
It speaks as a 9 year old boy in lockdown.
I think this tree is smiling
I think this tree is smiling
With the light of the sunshine warming up it’s tiny new green leaves
I also feel like smiling
as the sun washes away the darkness in our hearts
I think that tree is smiling
With happiness and joy, as I look through a window
where the cherry blossoms danced in the wind
Gone now
Time is passing
I think my tree is smiling
As he knows his role in the world
I can feel it’s strong branches
It can feel my tiny hands
I am up in its canopy hidden from the lockdown world
My view is special and just for me
I think this tree is smiling
Smiling straight at me
I feel like smiling
I feel free
Thomas Keating-Jones
9 years old
May 30th 2020
John Muir Trust Writing Competition – Wild Inside
Under-18s Poetry
Winner: Jane
Linda Cracknell said: “This writer has created a great form for their poem,
including lovely rhythm which makes it excellent to read aloud,
and it’s clever, showing the human is clearly part of the natural world.”
Silver: Eliza
Bronze: Thomas
