In the afternoon, we gathered in the main school dining room to have a final rehearsal. We took turns to go up on the platform to practise our poems. For some students, there needed to be a more technical and complex process organised. Wheelchairs needed to be positioned correctly so students were in full view of the audience and the cameraman. Communication aids had to be adjusted to the correct volume and speed so the poems could be heard clearly through the microphone.

The group chose the name ‘Poetry Sensations.’ We practised the whole performance a few times before the audience began to arrive. For those students whose voices were difficult to understand, the words of their poems appeared behind them on the screen. It was important that the audience could make out the words of our poems because each poem came from the heart and had a personal meaning.

Annie welcomed everyone to their seats, while thanking them for coming to support the poets. She introduced Liv and Johnny, who then explained what was going to happen and stated how much each of us had achieved since they had started working with us.

The performance commenced as soon as Johnny had taught the audience how to clap in a poetic style.

Each of us in turn approached the platform to deliver our poems to the audience.

For me the whole performance was a character building experience. Our teachers said they were very proud of us as individuals. We succeeded in the content and delivery of our poems because some of the audience were moved to tears. We were all encouraged by everyone’s reaction. Our efforts during the last three months were rewarded.

What did I learn?

If you put time and effort into everything you do others will share in the joy of your success.