One of our Y11 students was so inspired by the recent Geography trip to Italy, they wrote this fantastic poem. They have chosen to remain anonymous.

Italy

My lips automatically slip into a

smile at the thought.

Being able to relive the emotions

as I recount those few days,

now knowing the importance of them.

It was like a completely different world. One where the weight of everything lifted, my anxiety

slightly loosened it’s grasp, and

I was able to breathe for the

first time in months. The world

so big, and I so insignificant.

Everyone was different. The grouped stereotypes disappeared, and my existence was acknowledged by

people who’d until then looked

through me. We were all in the same position, and a certain level of understanding grew.

Relationships were built that would otherwise have never occurred.

Even if loosely, we all have a bond.

One through a shared experience.

An experience full of adventure,

and one I will never forget.

My worries washed away, like the

ocean I so peacefully and

contently gazed upon. The view

and scenery was like that of a

picture book, a fairytale – nature’s

palette so unbelievably vibrant and

it’s beauty indescribable.

Historic buildings holding delicate, thought-out details lined the

cobbled streets. Palm trees waved welcomingly, as the gentle breeze

guided us to where the sky

mirrored the sea – the two tones

of blue contrasting perfectly.

Coloured shapes jutted out of

the hand moulded mountains that encompassed us. Our deep blue protector filling the rest of the page,

as the sun’s rays glistened so

gracefully on the surface.

Time didn’t exist, but for once,

happiness did. Everything was

okay, even when it wasn’t. There

were smiles, tears, and endless

laughs. I forgot those types of

laughs even existed.

I overcame many challenges, and

did things they said I couldn’t. I

made myself a promise that I can

now say I didn’t break. I proved

them wrong, like I always do. I keep attempting to remind myself that

I have earned the right to be proud.

My body made me pay for it, as

I cannot avoid the inevitable consequences I have no power

over. But I can say with truth, it

was worth it, and if given the chance, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

They say all good things must

come to an end, but this was a

dream I didn’t want to wake up

from. Reality came crashing

down and real life hit me with

an unmatched force.

The excitement and anxiety had

built up for months, and all of a

sudden, it had come and gone. I

already long to be back as I didn’t

realise how much I really needed

it. But I now have stories and

memories that will last a lifetime.

It’s reminded me new isn’t always bad.

It’s reminded me things can get better.

It’s reminded me there are reasons.

And that’s what I will try and hold onto.