We are delighted to share a brilliant and inspiring poem by one of our participants. The poem is particularly fitting as our residential centre is based at Old Windebrowe in Keswick, a Grade II listed Tithebarn and one-time home of poet William Wordsworth.
Where Wordsworth wrote poetry as he was down on his luck,
I too wrote some verses, down here in this book.
And whilst the daffodils flutter and dance in the breeze,
My stay here is over, and it’s my time to leave.
When I looked around Calvert with my daughter and sister,
I was shown round the place by Rob, Emma and Femke.
Straight from the hospital there was so much to see,
But a nice lunch from Wendy I thought, that will do me.
And so, I embarked on this rehabbin’ lark,
Took a trip into Keswick and a walk round the park.
Little did I know, by walking further and faster,
In no time at all I’d be scaling Blencathra.
It didn’t take long but I soon understood,
There is therapeutic value in a walk in Dodd Wood.
And I learnt that the key to improving my health,
Would never be found feeling sorry for myself.
Been walking up Latrigg, Great Mell, Hallin Fell,
Looked across to Gowbarrow, so I walked that as well.
We went up Ullock Pike, still I wanted some more.
So we went up to Carlside and across to Skiddaw.
I’ve been up on the high ropes and climbing at Kong.
Followed painting on Thursdays with a good ol’ sing song.
Been down at the boathouse, Watchtree and Grasmere.
I could go on for hours, ‘bout the times I’ve had here.
As well as remembering old skills, I’ve been thinking about new things,
Even had a few tries pluckin’ away at guitar strings.
I’ve made pizza from scratch, baked my very first cakes.
Felt strangely uninhibited by the fear of mistakes.
When friends and family visited, they were all made so welcome,
Some went for a walk, some joined the parkrun.
But all were impressed with the work that you’ve done,
Helping me to improve, start again, and move on.
And the time that I’ve spent here, has got me thinking again,
‘bout using what cells I have left in this brain.
‘bout planning my future, ‘coz it’s time to move on,
To my home and my family, that’s where I belong.
So I need to thank everyone, for all that you’ve done.
For working me hard, and for making it fun.
It’s been a real team effort, putting me back together,
But it’s one I’ll remember and shall cherish forever.