Holly MacRae was named as the island’s first youth bard in January, last year. As the Manx Bard committee look for a new youth bard for 2020, she reflects on her year as the poetic voice of the island’s youth.

It has been an eye-opening year as the first Manx Youth Bard; who knew that one poem could lead me to such incredible things?

Before 2019, I had never written poetry but, with some prompting, I decided to give it a go.

Poetry to me is when an emotion finds its thought, and that thought becomes words; so as soon as my pen touched paper, I couldn’t stop writing.

I submitted the poem, which was based on one of many myths about Fenella, as I remember being so drawn to that story when I first moved to the Isle of Man.

I half expected to enter the finals, but I was gobsmacked to find that not only had I made it there, but had actually won the competition.

This year I have experienced Manx culture on a deeper level.

I was able to participate in events such as Tynwald Day and the Manx Litfest, by performing poetry alongside other bards and poets.

Our words echoed in St. John’s, through poems about myths, legends, tragedies, romance and even bonnag!

If this year as Bard has taught me one thing, it’s that when young people are encouraged and empowered, when they are shown that what they can do can make a real difference, they can change the world.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to perform a poem and speak about the importance of nature at an event run by UNESCO Biosphere.

It was incredible to see so many other youths talking about what they have been doing for the environment.

One of the biggest highlights of my year as Bard, was when I had the opportunity to meet Amineh Abou Kerech, who won the Betjeman Prize in 2017, for her beautiful poem: ’Lament for Syria’.

Her poem expressed her bereavement for her home country, destroyed by years of civil war.

She’s only in Year 10, and yet the words she wrote carried the wisdom and emotion of someone with centuries behind them.

We met because we are both young writers aspiring to do great things, and she told me of her journey from being a Syrian refugee to a poet.

To say I was inspired would be an understatement.

I have loved being the Manx Youth Bard and it has inspired me to keep writing. My creativity has flourished through this marvellous opportunity, it has boosted my confidence and I have been able to establish a platform for my creative writing.

This year I have learnt the importance of cherishing culture and traditions, and have experienced just how significant poetry is.

Although sad to be hanging up these robes, I am most looking forward to seeing who the next Manx Youth Bard is, and am excited on their behalf for what this next year has in store for them.

by Holly MacRae

Twitter:@iomnewspapers