Young poets are keeping a South Canterbury competition alive with their talents.
The 2017 South Canterbury Young Writers Awards featured 81 entries, written by children aged from 5 to 18.
Among them was overall winner Genevieve Laursen (11), of Timaru Christian School, who wowed the judges with her entry titled Jane’s Cafe
Genevieve, along with other participants, were acknowledged for their talents during a prizegiving at the Running Duck Cafe in Geraldine on Sunday, which was attended by 70 people from around South Canterbury.
‘Jane’s Cafe’
Hello my name is Jane, I’m totally insane
I own a cafe, it has a buffet
Sour Cream Porridge, with a hint of borage
Sausage Chutney, with a side of honey
Sweet snake soup, with a bit of goop
Frog mayonnaise, created as a bolognese
Horse Shoe macaroni, with a can of pepperoni
Preserved pretty parrots with no sign of carrots
Beetroot patties, possibly fatty
Cabbage and feta crumble, now please don’t grumble
Do we do sweets?, what do you think?
Bookworm cake, with chocolate flakes
Mandarin coffee, dipped in toffee
Bubble Gum Pie, please do buy
Catnip Tart, a perfect work of art
Cauliflower Cookies, baked in goodies
The Cafe is open from ten to four
Hope to see you there – Genevieve Laursen
Among them were a selection of the entrants, some of whom read their poems to the audience.
While judges Jan Hill, Neena Bennett, John Keast and Rebecca Lees were impressed by the high quality of poems submitted, it was Genevieve’s which they felt deserved top honours.
“Genevieve’s poem stood out from the rest,” Ms Bennett said.
“It has humour, something hard to do in poetry, and grabs the reader from the first line. Along with humour, her language is colourful and delicious.”
The competition’s founder, Mrs Hill, announced before last year’s event it was the last time she would organise it.
Mrs Lees put her hand up for the job, something she had enjoyed.
She said, leading up to judging time, the quality of poetry entered had caught her attention, with the creations giving the reader a glimpse into a person’s world.
“It’s like looking through a child’s eyes in a way.”
The children with winning entries received prizes for their efforts, thanks to the event’s sponsors.
