Noreen Caplen-Spence was born in St Vincent and the Grenadines. She has lived and worked in many countries as an English language teacher and teacher educator. Noreen has addressed conferences, given workshops and has facilitated teacher professional development around the world. 

 

Background

Noreen Caplen Spence wrote to David Heathfield 18 February 2024:

The wars of the few are the enduring woes of the many, the mothers and fathers and daughters and sons who die in the abominable name of Rule of Law.

In February 2024 Noreen Caplen Spence and I (David H.) briefly corresponded by email. I told her about the project Tell a Child in Gaza’s Tale and she responded with the three poems below. They had a huge impact on me. Noreen joined Tell a Child in Gaza’s Tale ‘Live’ on Zoom on 19 February https://youtu.be/GIqeKftfeH4?si=5Uz1KkcY3N1YZWDK and she called it “An emotional, engaging and edifying experience.” Afterwards Noreen agreed that I could share these three poems with you.

 

The Past ever Present (An offering, for us all)

 Noreen Caplen-Spence 

6th February 2024

 

The raging fire burned deep

and continued to smoulder 

for years

 

hopelessness came 

like an ever flowing 

waterfall 

and

settled into

a hot whirlpool 

 

My Mother 

Noreen Caplen-Spence 

17th February 2024

 

The blood flow stopped, for me. 

 

The waterfall of tears flowed, for me. 

 

The sweat oozed freely and constantly, for me. 

 

The tears still flow, 

often unseen, unheard, unacknowledged.  

    

She bled                

For me. 

 

My Child 

Noreen Caplen-Spence 

18 February 2024

Killed

 

Today you were killed.

Killed because I gave birth to you.

 

Killed because of who we are. 

It should have stopped with me. 

 

I am selfish.

I want you.

 

I love you.

You are my joy.

 

You were killed today.

You cried for me.

 

Today you are dead.

I cry for you. 

 

I knew you were in danger.

The moment you were born.

 

Because I am your mother, 

you carried my hopes, my dreams and my future. 

 

There is no future.

You are dead. 

 

My child

you made me a mother

you will be with me until I die.