I am, I can, I need | Poetry Series Rotherham

Older adults who took part in participatory arts-based workshops at ROAR from September to December 2024, came together to share their stories of ageing in Rotherham through different forms of art.

Facilitated by Lora Krasteva, the talented artists produced materials that are shared in the project exhibition. The workshop sessions fostered a safe, inclusive space for creativity, community, and self-expression.

Here we share a selection of poems written and spoken by the participants. This particular poem was created through the prompt of ‘I am, I can, I need’, intended to foster discussions around identity, abilities and needs. 

Life, give me one more torment whilst I still have a breath to fight
The eyes can still shed a tear to drown the sorrows of the day.
I long for a night of rest and resplendent sleep, yet tossed and turned quietly, misery was the blanket.
‘Wake up’ said the morning, but who was asleep anyway?
No glorious sunshine today, no bright blooms on shore, no trickling fountain, no company on adreary day,
Yet I’m here alone, yet memories are leaping.
Yet the new dawn is greeting, yet sipping hot tea is pleasing.Tears are flowing, yes, missing your early morning chatter.Yes, kissing your old sweater.Yes, the heart’s torn and battered.Go, darling child!Go find a peaceful corner, go to a new abode, go make new memories again.