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

See below for further ideas

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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

or maybe it isn't a physical person:

Imaginary friend

Favourite sports star

Favourite musician

Favourite film star / actor

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Activity

What do your young people do as an activity which allows them 'refuge'? Perhaps:

Music / Singing

Dance

Colouring

Art / Drawing

Sport / Exercise

Eating

Gardening

Walking

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:

Freshly-baked Bread, cake or cookies

Cut grass

Perfume

BBQ

Chocolate

Roast dinner

Chips

Ice cream

Crisps

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Items

Which item allows your young people 'refuge'? Perhaps:

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.

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.