Poetry written by some of the island’s school children has been compiled in to a new anthology by a local literary society.

’Young Reflections of Mann’ features 55 poems, written by pupils from Ballakermeen High School, Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, Bunscoill Rhumsaa and the QEII High School, in Peel.

The book has been compiled, edited and published by the Isle of Man Poetry Society, whose chairman, Bethany de Legh Runciman, said they felt compelled to do something after seeing the quality of written work being created throughout some of the island’s schools.

’We just wanted to bring together poems from students and pupils into a lovely little book,’ said Bethany.

’The reason why it’s called "Young Reflections of Mann" is because in the poetry society we have a regular book called "Manx Reflections", that our members publish their poems in.

’I thought that it was time that we should encourage children to take part, and to see what they would write, given the chance.

’They are amazing. There are some incredibly talented poets and writers in our island’s schools.

’The poems are so diverse and the talent showcased here is amazing.

’There is also nothing really like this on the Isle of Man, a book of poetry written and designed by school children that is available to everyone.’

The topics are diverse, and the style of writing is as varied as you would expect from a group of writers aged between nine and 17 years old, and subject matter ranges from chocolate cake to environmental matters.

There are even original poems written in Manx Gaelic by the children of the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh.

The society wants to publish further compilations of school poetry, and that she hopes more schools will take part in future.

’The popularity of poetry has grown enormously in the past few years and the way the children here have got involved with this book shows that,’ she said.

’When I was at school, the only poetry we were taught was war poetry and, to be honest, we hated it!

’But with not just poetry writing but the side of performance poetry as well, it is becoming more popular.’

’Young Reflections of Mann is £5, available from the Isle of Man Poetry Society by emailing [email protected]

by Mike Wade

Twitter:@iomnewspapers