Cranford Review 2017

This
National Writing Competition 2016-2017 run by First Story was a competition for aspiring writers in
year 7. Students were asked to produce a short story or poem of a maximum of 850 words inspired
by the theme of ‘Footprints.’ This theme could be interpreted in many ways and that is exactly what the students
did; poems and short stories that were submitted ranged from the detective and mystery genre to writing about
memories of friends and families. The work submitted was of an amazing standard and it was brilliant to see
that so many year 7 students were keen to participate. Three entries were allowed to be submitted for Cranford
Community College. Once submitted, First Story judged the winner and identified the representative for the school;
that winner’s entry was then submitted for the next round of judging whereby they would be up against entrants
from all over the country. The overall winner would have the opportunity to go to the Arvon Writing Festival where
they could also take their friends or family and enjoy a range of workshops with established writers. Although
Cranford did not necessarily have the winner of the whole competition selected from its entrants, Ayesha Kaur
(7Y) had her work selected and short-listed for the digital anthology which is published on the competition website
in the summer of 2017. Well done to Ayesha. You can read her poem here.
Sahrish Shaikh (First Story)
The
sweet, luring aroma of ginger wafted through my numb nose,
My ample cheeks were ruby-red and frigid like a frozen rose,
Refreshing sensations of joy and pleasure was what I was dwelling on,
Bells jingled and jangled whilst elegant reindeers pounced and bounced under the enchanting blanket of black,
The gleaming diamonds in the realm of darkness affectionately watched down on me,
The crisp, blustery winter breeze kissed my rosy cheeks,
Crystalline, sparkling snowflakes began to dance down majestically,
My tongue tingled for the sweet taste of lush, intoxicating cinnamon pretzels
that were sprinkled with the finest of sugars,
My red, glossy lips formed into an endearing smile,
I plunged my cushioned leather boots in the white, pristine and untouched duvet of snow,
And then I gaped in awe at Christmas standing in many rows …
Oversized seasonal candy sugarcanes shot out of the ground like luscious bountiful trees,
Surrounding the detectable canes of richness and magnificence,
Were petite, ornate, chocolate cottages of flamboyance,
The toiling chimneys chugged up laughter and Christmas spirit,
Spreading it to the world every minute.
Marshmallows were doorbells,
The wall of the cottages were neatly assembled together with mouth-watering, white chocolate shells.
Beside the doorstep mints were thoughtfully placed in a jar for guests,
Making the hunt for sweets no longer a quest!
Amaranthine, floral and exquisite were the wreaths upon doors,
And behind those doors I could hear hush little snores,
Delight and tenderness instantly filled my heart,
As the snores were so calming, setting all my worries apart.
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