The Gift by Clare Pollard

Each year, the Mayor of Oslo, Norway gifts a Christmas tree to the United Kingdom, in commemoration of the two countries' co-operation in the Second World War. The tree then makes the journey to Trafalgar Square in London, where it's on display throughout the holiday season. And each year, The Poetry Society commissions a leading poet to write a poem to then decorate the tree - with a little help from primary school children all over London! This year's poem is called 'The Gift', and was written by Clare Pollard. You'll hear it read by three children, Pashya, Sophia and Stella from St Peter's C of E Primary School, who were amongst the many to contribute their thoughts and ideas to the poem. If you're in London at all over Christmas, do go and visit the tree, and see the poem with beautiful artwork by Marcus Walters. It'll be in Trafalgar Square until 6 January. We hope you enjoy, and Merry Christmas from all of us at The Poetry Society!

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The Poetry Society was founded in 1909 to promote "a more general recognition and appreciation of poetry". Since then, it has grown into one of Britain's most dynamic arts organisations, representing British poetry both nationally and internationally. Today it has more than 4000 members worldwide and publishes the leading poetry magazine, The Poetry Review. With innovative education and commissioning programmes and a packed calendar of performances, readings and competitions, the Poetry Society champions poetry for all ages. "The Poetry Society is the heart and hands of poetry in the UK – a centre which pours out energy to all parts of the poetry-body, and a dexterous set of operations which arrange and organise poetry's various manifestations. It has a long distinguished history, and has never been so vital, or so vitalizing as it is now." Sir Andrew Motion