"New Chapters" — the Otago Daily Times’ creative writing competition for prisoners at the Otago Corrections Facility (OCF) and Invercargill Prison — closed this week and the judges are now working through the pieces to select a winner.
The competition attracted dozens of entries from inmates, who
have spent the past couple of months crafting, cutting and wielding their words.
OCF principal adviser for rehabilitation and learning Sherie Lucke said the initiative had brought genuine buy-in from a large portion of prisoners.
"Some of the entries have come from the most unexpected people," she said.
"It has really motivated them to get involved."
The entries have featured a wide variety of styles and subject matter.
There have been the inevitable reflections on prison life and how it compares with the freedom of existence over the fence.
There are stories exploring love, religion, the future and a repeated focus on nature.
Ms Lucke said the array of topics had divided opinion in the office, with Corrections staffers all having a different favourite.
The overall winner, chosen by judges ODT assistant editor Paul Gorman, University Book Shop general manager Phillippa Duffy and Corrections senior adviser of education programmes Hayley Bell, will have their work published in next weekend’s Otago Daily Times.
All entries will appear on the ODT online this week and readers will be able to vote for their favourite.
The people’s choice winner will also be published next weekend, followed by a prize-giving at the OCF on October 17.
Today we feature two of the standout pieces; one with a clever twist, the other a poetic portrayal of southern wildlife.
THE PLOVER
You caring for your little ones is such a sight to see
You keep them warm under your breast and keep them danger free
If they go too far foraging you call them back to you
And they come waddling back to mum in a single-file queue
Standing tall and looking out, you never miss a thing
Your eyes on one, the other hides beneath your gentle wing
I’ve seen them eating all day long, you haven’t had a bite
A sparrow comes along and you protect with all your might
The Southland winds they blow your perfect feathers all around
And I wonder why you’re standing there, firmly on the ground
I guess it’s because your little ones don’t have the strength to fly
But your song is telling them that all they need to do is try
They’re doing just as mother does, it’s nature at its best
The search for food draws to an end, it’s time to take a rest
As you do I notice that their dad is standing guard
He’s only small but bravely holds the threatening facade
It’s getting dark, it’s getting cold and soon it’s going to rain
You made it with your little ones through yet another day
So nestle up and keep them warm, the day will start again
And know that you’re the perfect mum, my little plover friend
1914
I remember the day vividly. I got the call I knew was coming. It was time. My life’s hard work was all for this moment. Early mornings, intense training and so many sacrifices. When I told mum she burst into tears and held me for what seemed like an eternity. Dad didn’t say a word. A firm handshake and a nod of approval. I could tell by the look in his eyes he was proud of me.
The trip was long. Thirty rugged but highly skilled men, packed into an old but adequate vehicle. I knew the men around me had been on many departure like this before. I was anxious to serve my country but felt a sense of calm being in the presence of these heroes.
We came to a sudden halt. We had reached our destination — the battle-zone. As I stepped on solid ground I almost went deaf. The sound was unimaginable; screams, shouts and cries. We quickly scurried into our bunker. We had to get out of sight to avoid any potential ambush.
Our time in that bunker flew by. Our superiors went over our mission one final time. As we left that bunker I could see the enemies in the distance. I knew there was no going back now.
Only 40 minutes later, I looked to my left; my comrades covered in mud and blood. To my right, soldiers lined up ready for action. I knew it was time to push forward. I gave the signal and prepared. We were in position.
I made the call. The ball came wide, straight into my hands. Instinctively I planted my right food hard into the grass and jumped over another body on the ground. I put the ball down to finish the first half.
The whistle blows and we are up 19-14, with the kick to come.
