Rebecca shares her love of Saddleworth in Poems

Rebecca Broadbent

Rebecca has been writing and sharing her poetry with friends and family. We’ve got the pleasure of sharing a few with you too. I asked Rebecca a couple of questions about herself…

 Do you live in Saddleworth yourself?

No, although I was born in Oldham, I left the area when I was three years old to live with my grandfather in the Lake District. I now live in Newcastle upon Tyne. My grandfather was from Saddleworth and throughout my life shared his love of the area with me. When he died in 2016 I made it my mission to understand a place which meant so much to him. I really feel a strong connection with the area, and I feel so close to him when I’m here. That’s why I keep returning. 

What makes you write poems? How long have you been writing them?

I have written poems since a very young age, probably since I was seven years old. It was always something I enjoyed at school and my school teachers always commented on my creative writing abilities. Writing poetry for me has a twofold purpose: firstly, it’s my way of documenting my life, the things I’ve seen and the places I’ve been. I find that recording my life in this way gives me a great sense of accomplishment, purpose and achievement. Secondly, poetry enables me to make sense of my life and the world around me. It enables me to gain a deeper understanding of things, which can be very therapeutic. 

My friends have taken photographs for me.

Here’s her first poem inspired by the area: 

“Stepping Stones”

I walked across these stones

First when I was a child.

They felt like the mountains which surrounded me

Yet they were never impossible to climb

For I had you with me.

I jumped from one to the next

Like a frog over a lilypad

Like I was an eagle soaring

From one continent to another

From this world to infinity.

Now I’m older

I can easily walk over these stones

Even though you’re not with me.

You gave me the strength in my legs

The will in my heart

The ability to navigate my way

Through forests

Through dark nights

And over these stepping stones.

I look into the stream below.

I can’t see your reflection

Although I see your face in so many people

And I’ve heard your voice in this place so many times

Even though I know that is not possible – not now.

I walk over three stones

That you walked over with me so many times.

I only wish

They could lead me to you.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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