22

A poem to commemorate the Manchester bombing, and all the beautiful lives that were cut short by a meaningless act of hatred.

May 22^nd, 2017.

A year since we saw

that terrible scene.

 

When the best night of their lives

became their worst.

The world came crashing down

and the bubble was burst.

Because “it couldn’t happen here”

only works until it does

and everything you thought you knew

is shattered all because

a man armed with darkness

and a backpack full of hate

tried to tear our spirits down

but he would always be too late.

 

And so we held our breath for Olivia

and shed a tear for Saffie Rose.

We had our minute’s silence

and for a moment, the world froze.

 

But we get tattoos

and we sing our songs

and Manchester carries on.

We light our candles

and leave our tributes,

for the 22 are not gone.

22 lives were lost that day,

but their lights will never go out.

For celebrating their love and lives

is what today is all about.

 

We must not be afraid

but it is okay still to cry.

For with every tear

that falls from your eye,

– remember this.

 

We won’t look back in anger

and will not lead with hate.

Manchester is a place of love

and we will honour this date.

Muslim or Christian,

gay or straight,

whether you’re six

or eight-eight.

Whether you were born in Moss Side,

Morocco or Kuwait,

whether you live on a farm

or a council estate,

we are Manchester

and we are great.

 

 

A Monster Calls review

At first glance, A Monster Calls appeared to me a sentimental fantasy film about the charming friendship between a boy and a fantastical monster. And honestly, if it weren’t for the incredible animation, I probably never would have watched it. But I’m glad that I did.

Because what A Monster Calls really is, is a heart-rending and compelling story about coping with grief and learning to let go. It stars Lewis MacDougall as 12-year-old Conor, a creative young boy caught between school bullies, an indifferent grandmother and his mother’s terminal illness. It is only when he begins to realise that he may be losing his mother – the only person he has to turn to – that he finds an unlikely friend in the Monster (Liam Neeson).

MacDougall shows a remarkable sensibility for his age and is a remarkable talent, a real credit to the film. He tackles some truly difficult subjects and handles them with incredible maturity, resulting in a thoroughly believable and raw performance. But I think what strikes viewers the most is the woeful honesty that he brings out of the character. And this is not only down to MacDougall’s impressive acting, but also the astonishing writing of Patrick Ness.

Having never read the novel, I can’t compare how it translates to the screen. However, as a movie the story is flawlessly carried through, with moments of unbelievable tension and some very poignant scenes. Although the writing has been said to be too dark by some, to take that away would remove the rare honesty that these scenes give. And overall, the message of the film is one that, although not altogether lighthearted, is powerful. But where it falls in terms of recommended audience is difficult to distinguish. Too dark for younger audiences and perhaps too rooted in fantasy for adults, it falls in a strange in-between.

What it is, however, is an extremely tough watch at times. Although there are some heartwarming and charming moments, the overall themes of the film are a lot more sensitive than they first appear. And while it is a highly recommendable film – despite its lack of huge success – it is still to be viewed with discretion.

Having said this, A Monster Calls is a stunningly beautiful film. It shows us familiar relationships, problems and hardships through a unique friendship and a world of fantastical stories. It is emotionally charged and in many ways inspiring.

★★★★