The Glass Enclosure - Terry Simpson

My black tongue finds no taste in its smoothness,
And there is nothing to see
Except when the sun, at certain angles,
Flashes and breaks into rainbow patterns.

But there it is all the time,
Marking the distance between us.

The others graze so close sometimes
I hear their rasping breath,
Smell their familiarity in the Pennine air,
See their otherwise vacant eyes questioning.

Other times they range away together
To distant, rocky, limestone slopes,
Whose views I can only imagine,
Their tiny bearing calls riding the thin wind.

Water is brought to me, and fodder too,
For now the grass is near cropped out.
Heavy boots fall certain and muddy
Within the fence I can only push against.

And there it is all the time,
Marking the difference between us.

Last night I dreamt of wandering with the flock
On a high plain far from Yorkshire‚s hills.
Jostled in the mythering crowd, I felt content
With the stench of fetid wool and grassy breath.
A lamb was outlined on a nearby crag,
Backlit by rays of an early sun,
Its heartbeat drew us close like a tender drum,
Its fleece of fire
Like gold,
Like burning glass.

Creative Routes is an important and dynamic organisation and this poetry competition deserves the strong support of everyone interested in writing; I'm greatly looking forward to reading the entries
Andrew Motion, Poet Laureate

The artistic relationship and dialogue between Creative Routes and the Young Vic creates new adventurous ways of working and new pieces of work. I hope that our relationship with Creative Routes continues to showcase this remarkable group's talents and views. DAVID LAN.

Now the ultimate winner and runner up will be judged in the Little Big Top and the BonkersFest Laureate crowned
BONKERSFEST! LAUREATE