Anything But Broken Reeds Poem by Mark Heathcote

The Spectator 8 December 2018 by Matthew Parris a 'judge' for the junior section of the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, discusses "Why are children so fearful about the future? " Matthew Parris goes on to report children are tearful and fed up being taught by rote. They feel their individuality is being crushed, not allowed to grow, that their talents are being fettered away and drowned, but a rebellious spirit resides to exist, grow and thrive. Our young saplings are made to feel miserable but the light of the sun-isn't-diminished. Whatever happened to 'Mighty oaks from little acorns grow? Furthermore, Matthew later states but the good news is this. However they may chafe at the way they are taught, these children are anything but broken reeds.

those parachute seeds
are a living time capsule
a wind-kissed promise