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In a short film produced by BBC Wales, Wales Haiku Journal editor, Paul Chambers returned to his home in Pillgwenlly, Newport, to explore ways in which haiku could document the day-to-day experiences of living in one of the country's most deprived wards.

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As part of the exploration of haiku's capabilities to capture the everyday realities of living in the area, Paul worked with students at John Frost High School to create poems which gave more truthful representations of their community than is often portrayed in the media.

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In response to the sensationalism and distortion of the community's image, the students produced haiku detailing their personal experiences of Pill, without prejudice or agenda, using their own voices, to tell their own truths...

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cold, crisp winter night

dry leaves crunching

under my feet

Jamiha Meah

the gleaming of the sun

moist, sweat

clings to their arid skin

Nathan Manchee

sun shining

the smell of the BBQ

and the green grass

Tayyibah Maliha

the summertime screams

the echoing youth

and positive cheer

Dilan Thevathas

salty taste of heavy breeze

water crashing

in silent reprieve

Sama Chowdhury

it’s a new season, a colourful evening,

dry, crunchy leaves

fallen to the ground in the twilight

Tasmia Begum

warm breeze brushing against you

park full of cheer

kids playing together

Hadiya Miah

summertime stupidity,

youth screaming,

piercing ears

Dilan Thevathas

joyous screams

euphoria in the making

members of one body

Sama Chowdhury

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