Zoe Cannell is the sixth poet from the Isle of Man to be raised to the chair of the Manx Bard.

Each month, she will share a poem with us, and explain what led her to write it.

The Folklife gallery at the Manx Museum has never been so popular!

With its proposed and imminent relocation, much has been said about it in the press and on social media.

I decided to pop along and have another look.

This month’s poem looks at both sides of the debate - both for and against retaining it.

Like so many, I fondly recall a trip there when I was at Ballacloan Infants School, but I realise that nothing can last forever and times have to move on.

It had been a while since I had been round the Manx Museum (I am a regular at the café and shop) and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

I was impressed with some new displays showing different aspects of our local life.

It is somewhere the Isle of Man can be really proud of, and I definitely want to go back soon.

Life as the Manx Bard continues to be wonderful, and recently I have given a couple of talks.

The Bardic robes have had a trip off-island, including visiting the grave of TE Brown and the college where he taught at Clifton.

But my most recent highlight was meeting Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, and presenting a self-penned poem to her in relation to the opening of the new Harbour Bridge in Peel.

The rain definitely didn’t dampen our spirits or take away from such a lovely occasion.

Outlored

The Folklife Gallery, where childhood memories were born,

Which stands eighty years proud; soon from us could be torn.

By our parents well-loved, and next generations can

Create their own special dreams of The Kingdom of Mann.

The Sweet Shop and Cottage – our heritage exhibition.

So why must they suddenly advocate abolition?

Quiet, quirky and quaint is what gives it appeal,

With the charm of the farm; a real old-worldly feel.

Year after year, always heading again

Down the stairs to the fabled, familiar dark ‘den’.

The Manx Museum relies greatly on tourists’ footfall

And interested locals, too, frequently paying a call.

That room demonstrates how the old Manx would be.

Simple industry with the land, in the home, on the sea…

“Already too much TT. It’s become out of hand

A separate building to house it – up at The Grandstand!”

Some opinions are strong. They’ve drawn-up a petition.

“We weep. We must keep this true Folklife tradition.

We value and treasure it - Dare not rearrange.

Please just leave it alone. We do not want a change!”

But the Folklife Gallery where childhood memories did start

Can continue to grow in our mind and our heart.

Yes, well-loved by our parents, but next generations can

Visit brand-new displays of The Kingdom of Mann.

The Sweet Shop and Cottage – sadly not prime condition,

Yet need not be destroyed; simply alter position.

Once quirky, now quondam, so curators feel

Repeat business is key to an attraction’s appeal.

Year after year, alas so few return,

As they’ve seen it before. Nothing fresh they can learn.

The Manx Museum monitored footfall for a while.

Realise it’s steadily shedding its bewitching beguile…

Road Racing is a vital stem of our Manx History too.

For four weeks of the year brings in vast revenue.

Artefacts draw keen crowds as they follow the Races

And who flocked fast for previous TT showcases.

Opinions considered before reaching final decision.

The future be questioned of this Folklife Exhibition.

Though we’ve valued and treasured it, please rearrange!

Trust - as good as rest - it’s now time for a change…

by Zoe Cannell

Twitter:@iomnewspapers