Bullying remains a serious problem in schools, and recently we’ve heard how someone can get picked on for anything, even for eating the wrong flavour crisps. Steven Parfitt has written in response to reading Adrian Mitchell’s ‘The Killing Ground’. Steven’s vivid and memorable poem reminds us that only the children really know what goes on in the playground. Breaktime is fine for those who are protected by their friends, but a nightmare for some, for those who feel, in Steven’s words ‘only a centimetre tall’. I am sure this poem could inspire other children to write about bullying.

MONIZA ALVI

I Feel A Centimetre Tall

Coming out to the dreaded playground

I feel a centimetre tall

for no one sees me,

no one at all,

playtime feels it will never end,

good for those with friends.

Jed is up the end,

I think I’m safe a bit,

It takes him a while to get here,

but how can I move?

I’m only a centimetre tall.

STEVEN PARFITT

Steven Parfitt, aged 10, receives “Why is the Sky?” edited by John Agard (Faber). Submitted by Penny Butters and Tina Jacobs of Manford Primary School, Essex, who receive a set of Poetry Society posters with teacher’s notes. Please send students’ poems to The TES, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1 9XY

Moniza Alvi, this term’s guest poet, was born in Pakistan and brought up in Hertfordshire. She has published two collections, “The Country at My Shoulder” and “A Bowl of Warm Air”.