Animal-lover Isabel wins poetry prize

Eleven year old Isabel Wang, with rescue dog Floyd, and her shape poem for the SPCA.

Eleven year old Isabel Wang, of Ashburton Borough School, has won a national poetry competition, supporting animal welfare and the work of the SPCA.

Isabel, already a budding singer/songwriter, can now add SPCA national poetry winner to her growing list of art accomplishments. She also plays piano/keyboard and is a good artist.

Her poem was one of many created by pupils in the Year 6 class but the only one to be written in shape form and written to create the letters SPCA.

Isabel wrote the poem and worked it into its shape at the same time.

Year 6 teacher Fiona Shaw, who has rescue dog Floyd with her in the classroom, encouraged the pupils to enter the SPCA writing competition.

But creating a shape poem was done at Isabel’s own accord.

She credited Isabel as a self-motivated pupil who put the time and effort into her work, which paid dividends.

Isabel’s poem has gone on to win the national junior section and the judges praised her creativity and ability to highlight the importance of being a responsible animal guardian.

While the unknown prize was yet to arrive, for Isabel it’s not about the rewards, it’s the enjoyment she gets from creating the pieces, including those she has added to music.

■ Help the SPCA

by Isabel Wang, 1st Place Junior Winner of the Kind Matters 2019 Writing Competition

Ruff ruff! A dog’s life is tough.

Running around and peeing on stuff!

I will learn how to sit, jump, and stand,

I can even shake your hand!

I want to eat,

I want some bones and a treat.

I am using my puppy eyes, you can’t resist

I want food and toys, I have a whole list!

But some of us are alone and sad,

So please treat us good and not bad.