Island of Ireland Project

Never Such Innocence was delighted to partner with Glasnevin Trust to extend the First World War poetry, art, and song competition into Autumn 2018 for the Island of Ireland.

The Poetry, Art, and Song project was open to anyone aged 9-16 from the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. All entrants received a personalised Certificate of Commendation signed by representatives of NSI and Glasnevin, and many children and young people from across the Island of Ireland joined us to receive their certificates at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum in December 2018 - more about this event here.

For a Horse
by Matthew Heaney from Lough View Integrated Primary School

Four fast hooves clip, clip, clopping
Fine high head nodding, bobbing
Smartly stepping, forward going
Wind wafting, soft mane flowing

Long legs lithely trot, trot, trotting
Following orders, slowly stopping
Heavy sack slinging, broad back breaking
Once more starting, muscles aching

Frightened heart thud, thud, thudding
Big brown eyes stinging, streaming
Terrible noises, screaming, moaning
Poisoned air gasping, groaning

Sinews burning, throb, throb, throbbing
Deep in mud, struggling, straining
Smells so dreadful, shocking, stinking
Breathing harshly, downward sinking

Strong neck tensing, pull, pull, pulling
Not giving up, snorting, striving
Journey completed, panting wheezing
Heavy load lifted pain now easing

Heroic war horse – worth remembering!

Submitting your entry
You can use these forms to submit your entry quickly and easily online!  If you are submitting one entry on its own, please use the form on the left.  For multiple or group entries, please use the form on the right. 
Before you submit, please make sure you have read the competition rules.
After you have submitted the work, you will receive a confirmation email.  If you don't receive this please let us know via enquiries@neversuchinnocence.com or call +44(0)207 836 2603.