05/06/2026
A Happy Birthday to Away With Words,
As today you are now 14 years old.
And just like humans with which age is shared
You refuse to listen when you are told:
“Poetry is for the Middle-Classes
And not meant to be inclusive of all”
Or, “Spoken-Word is not for the masses
As they wouldn't understand it at all”
No, you have been a beacon of respect
And welcomed all of us in your embrace.
And no matter the tone or dialect
You applaud difference with warmth and grace.
10 odd years ago was my first visit,
A nervous wreck wracked by doubt and the shakes,
Alone in your audience I would sit,
After, berating myself for any mistakes.
There have been great gaps in my times away
As my self-confidence would wax and wane
But when I've returned I can gladly say
That Jim seemed never to forget my name.
Since my first visit my life has changed much:
I found love, became a dad and my peace.
Also, life-long ills, Autism and such,
Now accepted, caused self-loathing to cease.
I have to owe part of my peace of mind
To this 'monthly, free, therapy event';
Filled with sympathetic, warm hearts that find
Humour and kinship when, on stage, I vent.
And of course our Circus of Creatives
Would not be if not for our Ringmaster;
Well loved for the care and support he gives
(Ensuring each night is no disaster).
I had better mention this about him:
He is Sky Arts Nominated you know.
I thought I would mention it, because, Jim
Has too much humility to do so...
So here is to Away With Words in Hull,
And the inimitable Jim Higo,
You have made all our lives more meaningful
And I wish you many happy years more!
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Poem written and performed in celebration of the 14th Anniversery of Away With Words Hull on Thursday, 4th June 2026
