Topics and Words Resources
Use these resources to inspire yourself or your young people to write poetry and lyrics about
the 2023 National Poetry Day theme of 'Refuge'.
Please bear in mind there are a wide range of resources on this page aimed at every age group from 0-19, not all of which will be suitable for all age groups, so please review and select those which suit your young people.
Questions to ask
In relation to the word 'Refuge', ask your young people:
Where/what/who is your refuge?
Are all refuges the same for people or animals?
Which senses do you use when you think of your refuge?
Do you have to be alone to find refuge?
Are all refuges good for you? (e.g. chocolate, drugs or smoking
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See below for further ideas
Places
Talk with your young people about where allows them 'refuge'. Perhaps:
Home
Grandparents’ house
Zoo
Beach
Mountains
Forest
Playground
Bedroom
Garden
Kitchen
School
Den
In a crowd (at a concert or football match)
People
Discuss who they go to for 'refuge'.
Perhaps:
Friends
Siblings
Parents
Grandparents
Trusted adult at school
Scout/Guide leader
Pet
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or maybe it isn't a physical person:
Imaginary friend
Favourite sports star
Favourite musician
Favourite film star / actor
Activity
What do your young people do as an activity which allows them 'refuge'? Perhaps:
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Music / Singing
Dance
Colouring
Art / Drawing
Sport / Exercise
Eating
Gardening
Walking
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Consider creating a piece of music or movement/dance based on the theme of 'Refuge'.
Food and Smells
Is there anything your young people can smell or taste which feels like a 'refuge'? Perhaps:
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Freshly-baked Bread, cake or cookies
Cut grass
Perfume
BBQ
Chocolate
Roast dinner
Chips
Ice cream
Crisps
Items
Which item allows your young people 'refuge'? Perhaps:
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Teddy Bear
Favourite toy or game
Reading a book
Clothing
Bike, wheelchair, skateboard
Favourite film
Favourite song
Musical instrument
Piece of equipment (TV, computer, hammer, scissors)
Psalm 46 - Refuge
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
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Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
