Writing Competition Winners – Tia Bonomini-Newson

In Autumn 2019 we held a writing competition for adopted young people on the theme This Is Me. We had some wonderful entries that were judged by our team and Miles Chambers, Bristol’s first poet laureate. Over the coming few weeks, we will be publishing the winners so do watch this space and read them all.

I am Tia.

“I am hungry, thirsty, scared.

I am cold, no sheets on the bed.

There is arguing, screaming, shouting.

My brother is restless, crying, pouting.

My sister yells “shut up, don’t speak”.

And that’s our cue to go to sleep.

I am only 3 years old.

No clothes to wear, my head is bald.

Her answer to get rid of nits,

Cutting my hair out, bit by bit.

To be cared and loved is my only wish.

To be tucked into bed with a cuddle and a kiss.

I am Tia.

I’m not sure where I am.

There’s a sofa, a tv, a fully lit lamp.

A cat, I think comes through the door.

Another of the creatures lies across the floor,

The adults are discussing, so quiet I can’t hear.

Our eyes lock, faces full of concern, sadness and fear.

They break into smiles, real genuine, full of hope.

And there and then I decide I will learn to cope.

“Things will get better” I whisper into my hair.

And with that I grab my bags and go to unpack upstairs.

I am Tia.

Mich sits me down on my bed.

She looks into my eyes and horrible thoughts fill my head.

She senses my worry and brings me in for a hug.

Get some sleep now, it’s late.

Tomorrow will be the best day of your life, just you wait.

Knock, Knock, Knock.

Someone’s at the door.

I scurry down the stairs and plonk myself on the floor.

Two people nearly as nervous as I am, stand before me.

“This is it, this is it!” I squeal quietly.

I had the best  day, ice-cream, sloppy joe’s, lemonade.

And got to spend it all with these two awesome people!

I’m not entirely sure who they are, but I love them all the same.

We did some drawing, colouring, and finished off with a game.

I am Tia.

5 days later, they took me home.

And with my new pet dog by my side, I didn’t feel alone.

The next morning, they all woke me up, with the dog’s 4 paws, on top of my bed!

There I knew these people will love and care for me.

They will provide me with a life where I am happy and free.

I am Tia.

I am now 13 years old.

I am living my best life surrounded by my family and friends.

I am healthy and fit, with a secure shelter over my head.

I now play sports, football and much more.

I read and I succeed.

I wouldn’t be where I am today,

If it wasn’t for all the amazing people in my life.

So thankyou.

I am Tia.”

By Tia Bonomini Newson, aged 13.