A poem written by a 15 year old Featherstone High School student has won the South East regional award and will go forward into the country-wide competition.

Year 11 student, Iqra Ismail was excited to find out (14th April 2016) that her poem 'Trick of the Light' has been published in the Young Writers' Anthology - South East Poets. Not only that, her poem was awarded 'Best Poem' for the South East category.

Students around the country were asked to write a poem on any theme and convey their passion for their subject through verse.

322 other students entered the competition in the South East and Iqra's poem, as the winner of the region, will now go forward to find the best poem country-wide.

English Teacher, Ms Friswell said, "qra is an inspirational writer with a unique flair for poetry; her interesting outlook on the world shines through."

Headteacher, Mr Wadwa added, "We are exceptionally proud of Iqra who, alongside her many sporting and other academic achievements, has managed to win the South East Poets category against some very talented competition."

Here's the full poem:

Trick of the Light

Stunning how a summer breeze can carry away our worries,
Gives us peace of mind,
Truly those worries are only hidden in the whispering winds,
Yet, we are indifferent.

It is said when an artist changes this fleeting world for an immortal rest,
The sky becomes their canvas,
Cobalt-blue blends and bends in a tireless tango with a burning magenta,
Way lay motionless, our wait anxious.

Heavy breathing encases our perch,
Eyes focused, we could not be put off,
The trees purred in a tranquil unison,
Dangers long forgotten.

Any yet, when this fateful dance draws to a half,
When the last note is played,
Our dilemmas creep up on us,
A slow death with a tireless grip.

Forgotten moments slither back from the depths of our minds to haunt us,
Ruthless in their ways.
A trick of the light can only hold our attention for so long,
Before reality weaves its way into our more comfortable of bubbles and bursts even that.

Our unspoken fondness for the summer’s evening may never fade,
Blissful moments need never mend,
Alas, like a first love and our last breath,
All good things must come to an end.

Iqra Ismail (15)