"Literary Lockdown" is a brand new project which aims to showcase pieces of creative writing from all ages and abilities in order to inspire and spread some positivity during difficult times experienced during lockdown. Over the course of February 2021, the Arts Team are sharing one piece of creative writing per day under the theme of four prompts which are as follows:

  • Week One: Home
  • Week Two: Ritual
  • Week Three: Community
  • Week Four: Gratitude

Day 15 |  'How to be a Warrior' by Jurby Herbs and Words

"'How to be a warrior' is a collaborative group poem that came out of the 'Battlefield Herbs' workshop hosted by Jane Prescott and myself (Janet Lees) late last year, at Jurby Community centre. Some of the people in the session had some writing experience, some had a little, and some had none at all."

"Against the backdrop of the pandemic, the idea of the 'Battlefield Herbs' workshop, and the creation of this collaborative poem in particular, was to help all of us tap into our inner resources in difficult times. "
- Janet Lees

Day 16 | by Leanne Cooke

"I believe upon reflection - writing is one of the most cathartic, genuine & rewarding things I can do - particularly after the hardships of the lockdown."
- Leanne Cooke

Day 17 | 'A Patient Experience' by Ron Couch

"I was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. The early diagnosis, however, proved to be a life saver, but it did come with limitations: I was no longer able to resume my favourite activities: a change of direction and other" distractions" were needed.

That's when I "discovered" Creative Writing. I signed up to a course run by Janet Lees and became ‘hooked’ and, significantly, as a result of her support and encouragement, I persevered, joining, just last December, The IoM Poetry Society."
- Ron Couch

Day 18 | 'Hello Goodbye' by Michelle Noonan

"I’m a nurse by profession who writes poems and has lots of other creative hobbies. I feel that my poem portrays how COVID has affected many people especially key workers , families and the vulnerable."
- Michelle Noonan

Day 19 | 'Quocunque Jeceris Stabit' by P.J. Collins

"Of course it has been difficult this year for obvious reasons. I have found that writing poetry is a perfect form of escapism, that helps me make sense of the world in my own unique way, hopefully others will have as much enjoyment from my poems as I did writing them."
- P.J. Collins