PW_2_2022

Cultural Corner

A Pergola for Mariupol D.B. Lewis , Scarborough Branch & Writers’ SIG Chair The Ukraine conflict has presented some complex challenges, and will continue to do so long after the fighting stops. A nswering the call by International President Pierre-Martin Moulin for a “surge of IPA solidarity for Ukraine”, the Writers’ SIG chose to write for Ukraine on the subjects of: Justice, Truth and/or Peace. Working hard to maintain the IPA position of avoiding political comment, or taking a partisan stand, many of the writers chose the medium of poetry. Although, some have written travel articles, and Neil Hallam wrote about his childhood memories of The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain. SIG Chair David Lewis, used the literary device of ‘allegory’ to avoid his poem becoming political.

My poem uses a literary device, called an allegory. As many in the Writer’s SIG know, an allegory is a way of allowing writers to create a safe distance between themselves, their organisation, and the issues they are writing about. The ‘Pergola’ allegory describes the people of Ukraine, but is not a direct political commentary. It strives to address the emotion of the moment through the device of allegory by ‘personifying’ the pergola, or in plain words, giving the pergola a hidden human existence. IPA writing needs to be ‘non-political’ to keep faith with our constitution, but this does not mean we cannot write in support of our members. Allegory is just one way of doing this non-politically. The intention is to publish a small booklet against donation within our IPA circles. All proceeds will be donated to help Ukrainian refugees through an IPA supported charity. Former IPA Section UK President, Bill Petherick adds his thoughts: Why do I write? It is said “a picture paints a thousand words”, but first you need the word. As a novice writer I have found that along with the talents people say I have as a caricaturist, I can give an individual or a group, praise, support their efforts in various campaigns, promote their aims and aspirations, while at the same time reduce them to tears, all with words. A short story or poem can capture a feeling of exhalation, or highlight the depression of poverty, health and wellbeing. With a few sentences I can lift your spirits, give you strength and motivation, and the encouragement to face diversity. Do not be afraid to write those words. To write is an opportunity to make a positive change. I write because I know I can make a difference. By the time this edition of Police World reaches you, our booklet should be well on its way to publication. Please contact SIG chair: David Lewis for more details at: davidlewis@brynstowe.co.uk .

A Pergola for Mariupol by D.B. Lewis Today we built a pergola, For Mariupol. It has a frail and flimsy look But it is not. We built it that way. For Mariupol. Stone-filled soil sets feet of steel To bend but never break, As searing winds tear the hearts of oak This wicked winter seeks. Yet, when the storm recedes, As all storms must,

Then, we shall grow Wisteria. For the people of Mariupol. And the fronds will fall in shades of blue On the heroes brave below So they will know, And we will know, That their dark night Has finally turned to dawn. When the sun has blessed this sacrifice The pergola will hold its fronds However harsh the winds, For the flowers will blossom always, For Mariupol.

POLICE WORLD Vol 67 No.2, 2022

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