For the last 4 weeks a group of young writers from Raupo have been working with a writing tutor learning new techniques for formulating their ideas. Enjoy these samples of work:

How dare you (True story)

As my claws lift off my owner’s shoulder

I think I will never see my dear Alonca, my only friend,

my owner. Her head gets smaller

and smaller as I get higher.

I fill with anger.

This eagle has messed

with the wrong African Grey Parrot.

Oh god, I say

because, as you may know, I am very smart.

I feel the pressure on the shoulder of my wings disappear.

I slowly flap down to Alonca’s lap, I think

I must have scared it

as I snuggle into her chest.

By Micah

Cheetah’s last wish

I feel the straw grass

against my paws

as I stare into the lowering sun.

I hear the the men

get out of an elephant-sized

SUV. I hear my mother’s roar

to scare them away.

But does that work?

I roar as loud as

my little voice can but …

all they do is laugh and

throw a big net over me.

“I wish ...” I scream to my mother but…

they pull away in the SUV

with a rev, and she does not hear.

The last sight of my mother.

is the black streaks of tears coming from her eyes.

By Tilly

Dr Rubber - Good-bye

Dear Rubber

Why just why do you rub me out

I mean I draw so well and you rub me out

And it is just so sad.

Even if those humans make you

Why can’t you just stop working.

Even if it is impossible

cause man do I wish I was a pen

Then you wouldn't rub me out!

Why don’t you just go on and fall of that table

Because it would be great

Just great!

Yours sincerely pencil

By Chloe Davies

Mr Fuzzy Pants

28 Tui Tce

Auckland

New Zealand

22 January 2019

Dear Rosie

On your fifth birthday you made me, and now 15 years later, I'm still your favourite. Please make or buy me more bears so I can have friends and family. I mean come on I love you, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PPLLEEAASSEE.

Make or buy me a family. Once again I love you.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Fuzzy Pants, your teddy bear who loves your bed.

P.S. Please wash your pink and purple love heart duvet.

By Freya

Elephant guns

They are walking towards me

I feel scared

th-th-the-they have

g-g-gu-guns they're coming

for my tusks my beautiful tusks

should I run n-n-no

I’m too scared to move

nnnnnnnhh ... noooooooo!

They are too close

I don't have enough time

I know I’ll pretend I’m not here.

By George