Category: Muirhouse

Craigroyston Parents Poetry Group

Makin a Brew Poetry is a creative project for parents based in North Edinburgh. The group first met through Makin a Brew’s story and music-making sessions at Craigroyston Early Years Centre in the Community High School.

The group is now two years old, as the women themselves explain in the introduction to their new collection of poems:

‘Starting on a dark January morning in 2016, we met together on a Wednesday morning to share stories, drink tea and eat cake!

‘We decided to explore the written word and poetry – something we had never done before. Over the weeks our creative juices flowed and by the time Spring was in the air we had produced many poems, written by both individuals and as a group, along with stories, music, recordings, laughter and sometimes tears.

‘And most of all, strong friendships and a belief in our creative selves.’

Susanne Malcolm, Matilda Hatse, Moira Harvey, Claire Caballero were often joined by others – Karen, Chrsitine, Waa, Callie and more. The Makin’ a Brew group is supported by musician Gica Loening and storyteller Claire McNicol.

On This Ground We Stand

On this ground we stand

Some born on this patch of earth

The Scots tongue a’ around us

Others journeyed here,

Born on distant patch of earth.

But under the same overarching sky

We walk back and forth

through the arched shopping centre

Where pigeons roost

Past the bird boxes

“No cocks allowed” written on one

“Cos them’s the house rules”

What are the house rules on

this little patch of

earth?

Walking along the yellow brick road

To our round table sanctuary

We talk, laugh and hope

for more fairness, love, kindness

On this little patch of earth

Claire McNicol