And the winners are...
Pairs: Sarah's star, Chones, Bex, kaneto, Simon Berry, Martin
Family: Sparkler, Fireworks rock my Socks and Sparkle, Toby, Oscar, Miranda and Dan, Lana and Kian, Nat and Glitzy Blitz
Our thanks to the Round Table for their generous provision of prizes.
Many thanks to all who entered! We have greatly enjoyed reading these poems, and it was very tough choosing the winners! Whether or not you're the recipient of free tickets, we highly recommend the show on Saturday - it's always spectacular and loads of fun. And it's for charity.
The competition is now closed, but if you feel inspired, do please send us a poem anyway, using the boxes bottom right of this page.
Daily Info Staff, 06/11/08
Children stand expectant Excited and impatient The faces change Dazled and bewildered A confused rainbow sat in the sky Though once tranquil and unruffled Then for a brief moment the sky turned sinister bleak and murky The silence distilled An eruption of colour A mental picture stored And a picture to reminisce with until next year.
bethan , 05/11/08
because colours of catherine wheel, the heat or bonfire you will feel, fireworks exploding in the sky, calm and relaxed you will lie, as people throw up the fire, spectacular visions soar up higher, but when the night is finally done, you have next year to continue the fun
shaimaa, 05/11/08
BONFIRE NIGHT SHOULD GO WITH A BANG FOOD, HOTDOGS AND FIREWORKS DON'T FORGET TO BRING THE GANG AND WE SHOULD ALL BE GETTING SOME PERKS.
MAGS, 05/11/08
There once was a man known as Guido Who committed a very bad deedo But his plan didn’t bang Fallen guy had to hang Cos he couldn’t quit with enough speedo
Glitzy Blitz, 04/11/08
Remember, remember, the fifth of November Gunpowder, treason and plot Had Guy Fawkes succeeded The tip-off not heeded He would have blown-up The whole lot!
Deep in Westminster’s cellars Guy and some other fellas Stashed gunpowder set to go “bang!” Instant death it would bring To the Protestant King When the Catholics exploded the gang!
But succeed they did not Someone spoke of the plot And Guy and his cronies were caught They paid with their lives The conspirators died And the dastardly scheme came to naught.
Still Fawkes we remember Each fifth of November And call to mind his grisly plan We stack a bonfire Build it higher and higher Topped off with a “guy” of the man!
Sparkler, 04/11/08
November the fifth has come and gone, But my thoughts they still do linger, I held a banger in my hand, Has anyone seen my finger!
Martin, 04/11/08
There's a fire raging between my legs, I need to find a hydrant It's like a volcano, but no longer dormant, Between two overheating powder kegs
I must find something to connect to my hose I need to to extinguish this conflagration My pants aren't destined for contumulation My inferno needs quenching - and it jolly well shows.
I'm normally straight-laced, but now I'm turning: I'd do anything to prevent the charring. I'll drop 'em right now, leave kids with mental scarring, I'll do anything to stop the burning.
OK, it's not big - it's not even a rocket. But I still regret putting that sparkler in my pocket.
Inyu Endo., 04/11/08
With the sky all alight, and the stars out in sight, you know the time's right, for Bonfire night!
The children all sit, while their sparklers are lit, to see someone reveal, the huge catherine wheel.
It whizzes and spins, and everyone grins, as there's no better sight, than bonfire night!
The bonfire burns, while people take turns, to warm their cold fingers, while the fire still lingers.
Several loud bangs, there in the sky hangs, a bouquet of gold, for all to behold!
The best saved til last, so grand, loud and fast, the sky never so bright, as on Bonfire night!
EmzLF, 04/11/08
Whizz, bang, sizzle, sizzle, whiiiii The sky’s full of colours just for me It’s like birthdays, Christmas and Easter in one How is it possible to have so much fun!
Lulu, 03/11/08
it's time again for Guy Fawkes' night, for human pleasure and canine fright. fireworks are discriminatory: silence oughtta be mandatory.
grumpy old sod, 03/11/08
B-itterly cold, on November the fifth... O-n Firework's Night, we enjoy ourselves. With, N-aughty 'Guy Fawkes' up in flames. We can, F-eel the heat of the bonfire on our faces. Then, I-n white sparks, I write my name in the dark... And, R-emember to put the dead sparkler in the water bucket for safety. Whilst, E-veryone is wrapped up, in gloves and scarves against the night's chill.
N-ot wanting the fun to end. I-n awe watching the fireworks up high, G-ot to be careful, don't want to get lost. H-ot chocolate and toffee apples, delicious treats. Then, T-ime to go home, until next year we'll meet...
Ellie, 03/11/08
Heading out, Into the cold, On a chilling, frosty night, I'm excited about the feeling, Of all the things that might! A sense of possibility, A sense of calm and ease, Of just enjoying the beauty, Of lights bursting, over trees.
Sarah's star, 02/11/08
Autumn Fires
Crisp dusk falls; Leaves drop, twigs snap. Wood gathered; pyres stacked Spirits wake, voices crack.
Sun sets, moon ignites. Crowd thickens, breath rises. Father’s glove holds daughter’s hand. Bonfires light distant spires.
Bex, 01/11/08
As if the gloom of grass held stars flying up and aluminium-shook into a wild blue yonder, rockets of brief mercury, catherine wheels overblown and pomaded, casting their jewellery of light. The weary gasps of failed light lopsided and blackened remain only in the morning blackened fenceposts marking our common ground.
Chones, 01/11/08
He's moving excited On. Bounding on Arrival preceeded By a glorious bomb
He's moving excited All's right and not wrong Celebration is seeded Parliment stands on
Democracy could have been born With the death of that building We can't see it, the plot is too thick But the system we obey is full of shit
Your chinking glasses Your happy faces Warm colours in the sky Mark the death of a saviour
Ruskin English Student, 01/11/08
BANG BANG go the fireworks Sizzling, fizzing up high Roaring and whizzing in the sky Then BOOM the explosion of colours lights up the darkness of the night So so bright And so so light
Sparkle, 30/10/08
A stillness falls gently on the gathered. A quietness seeps slowly through the crowd. A huddling deeper into coats. A wrapping tighter of scarves. A silence.
Then the sky explodes.
Ruth M, 30/10/08
Streamers lighting up the night, Treating our eyes with a beautiful sight.
Fizz, Bang, Wizz, Pop, They keep on coming, never stop.
Screeching screamers pierce my ears, People hear from far and near,
Fizz, Bang, Wizz, Pop, They keep on coming, never stop.
Flaming colours bright and bold, Winters night that is so cold.
Fizz, Bang, Wizz, Pop, They keep on coming, never stop.
The last display before the fire, last of the fire works climb higher and higher.
Finally they stop. No Fizz, Bang, Wizz or Pop .
The match is struck, A whoosh of heat, My cold nose tingles, And my heart skips a beat.
The fire dies down, The end is near, But a whisper goes around, "Can't wait till next year !".
Fireworks rock my Socks., 30/10/08
Fireworks, fireworks, booming and bright, Flashing and banging in fountains of light. A moment suspended - But then it is ended, And leaves us with afterglow printed on night.
Toot, 30/10/08
Fizz in the sky, Rainbows everywhere, Whizz over trees, Rockets clap. Sounds of firework night.
Miranda (age 4), 29/10/08
Fireworks are fun, Loud bangs in the night, make you jump and shout in fright.
Flashes of colour, Green, blue and red, and when you get home, dream of them in bed.
Toby (age 11), 29/10/08
Bonfires roasting, Barbeques toasting, Rockets whizzing, Sparklers fizzing, Toffe apples sticking, Children licking.
The flashes of stars light up your heads and when you get home you dream in your beds.
Oscar (age 7), 29/10/08
Raining silver, Streaks of gold, Pearls of amber, Rubies bold.
Packed into the whizzing shells, Emerald embers, Booming bells.
Racing skywards blazing bold, Unto the heavens, Stars unfold.
Dan, 29/10/08
Fireworks everywhere. I love them when they're up high. Roaring, crackling in the sky. Everyone watches them go. What a show! Oooh go the crowd as one bursts in the sky. Right up in the sky go the fireworks. Kids are having fun. Stars are everywhere.
Lana age 7, 29/10/08
Fireworks go bang in the sky When darkness is nigh
Fireworks are very colourful And they look beautiful
They gleam and beam Like you're in a fantasy dream
Everyone's having fun No-one's unhappy not one
Now the night has come to an end Is there a text messege you want to send?
kian, 10, 29/10/08
Breath clouds the air, Darkness complete; Silence is filled with the shuffling feet. Shadowy shapes that jostle for space, Waiting for something to light up the place. Sudden quick movements - flashlights flick on, Held by dark shadows that wander beyond. Flashlights are quenched by the lights from a match; Thrusted at tapers until they all catch, Slow burning fuses that fizzle in red, Snaking their way to more shadows ahead. Showers of bright starlight burst forth from their lair, And bang goes a candle that pops in the air. Whoosh goes a rocket, then silence to dread; is broken by canopied star showers o'er head. Catherine wheels spinning their bright merry shower As more light is building to fill up the hour. Bright constellations that light up the park, Banish the taste of the inky black dark. Suck in the atmosphere, "Ooo" goes the crowd, Hundreds of voices shouting aloud. A sudden crescendo, where night is no more, From a hundred bright rockets that overhead soar. Smoke drifts towards us, clouds in the air, Followed by night who returns to his lair. Drift to the car park then quickly to bed, "Thank goodness for firework displays", my Dad said.
TonyH, 29/10/08
Flowers of fire In cold November nights bring Warmth into your heart.
ashnazg, 29/10/08
In London there was a young man, who wasn't a government fan, So on the 5th November he gave a night to remember by causing an almighty bang, The guards tho soon found poor Guy Fawkes, and stretched him until he did talk, But within the hour, he was sent to the Tower never to be free again. The poor man was hung while the goverment sung, they were free to make rules that we know. But what would have been if he hadn't been seen, would we have the daft laws of today? With money now tight, a recession in sight, a big bang might JUST have been right.
Rachel S 28/10/08, 28/10/08
On the day of graduation, fireworks in the park, Latin in the daylight, then glitter in the dark. Four years of hard work over, another four to come, What better way to celebrate than some flashing fireworks fun.
Grandma on her folded chair, staring way up high. Entranced by light and shadow as it dances in the sky. Brother on the telephone, chatting to his mate, Nonchalantly watching as he plans another date.
Mum and Dad in fleeces, matching top to toe, Mugs of tea and woolly hats, ready for the show. They’re oohing and they’re aahing, along with all the crowd, Nobody can hide their joy; they have to shout aloud.
Looking to the left you see a couple hand in hand, Wrapped in gloves and scarves and hats, the warmest in the land. Their second Oxford fireworks show, last year's was the best, It’s when he said ‘I love you’, ‘love you too’ she then confessed.
And now they’ll come here every year, to share with all the town, The whizzing and the popping and the sparkles falling down. For it’s a very special evening, this noetic November night, When one and all, from young to old, share in the delight.
Michelle, 27/10/08
Never such cracking and banging, such warding off of midnight demons as we declare wars on the clouds; galaxies born out of nothing roar and fade.
Sperm-squiggling spears of flame become broad upward waterfalls of feathered light, great sizzling sideward Catherine Wheels, jack-in-a-box galaxies exploding into black, sea-urchin palaces built in space, flopping coxcombs, sheet lightnings, sperm-and-ovum bangs, slewing fireballs.
From strobing flares that freeze the world tinsel universes tinkle down synchonise-swimming to extinction through fresh sky-probings, through snaking-up Indian rope tricks, wavering depth-charges reversed, virgin night-flowers that vanish unmated, or a dance of midnight sombreros in mocking theatre of the absurd amid space chrysanthemums turning to evanescent asters that fall like a skyful of feathers spilled from an eiderdown.
kaneto, 26/10/08
Poetry is sometimes wanky, and sometimes so am I but I want to win tickets to watch the night sky.
With popping and bursting of things of that nature fireworks are cool so, I write this without further conjecture.
Here's the bottom line, I want to win. So I am going to kiss Daily Infos arse from here on in.
Daily Info, how do I live in Oxford before I knew of you? I've bought shoes, got jobs and movie times too.
I almost booked an unknown guest house, but thanks to your review, I avoided getting the louse.
And your staff, your lovely staff! I can't say enough about them really, they are fit, they are sexy and as fiesty as a philly.
And Daily Info, you got me to do the one thing I hate, write poetry! Egad, it must be fate!
You adorable information cherubs, I beg of you give me some tickets, I wub you!
Jeannie, 25/10/08
One autumn night after dinner I was horribly waked from my snooze. My hackles stood up - I'm a poor young pup Cos I've got the firework blues.
One autumn evening the wife and I Had dined on potatoes and good pork pie When a shuddering boom And a shimmery light Transported me back to another night And all of a sudden I saw them again (The ghostly legions of infantry men) Fight and die on the banks of the Seine. And every year I'm hit by the fear The unmanly tears you'll have to excuse; Put it down to the firework blues.
We're probably not the only ones whose Idea of fun isn't aahing and oohs: Others among you would rather choose To stay huddled in bed, Blankets over the head. Oh the pounding heart As the night splits apart And while you think it's fun and a bit of sport Spare a thought for all those With the firework blues.
Blue moon, 23/10/08
Fireworks are cool As the sky’s like a pool Of colours so bright With shimmering lights And sounds that go whiz All the giggling kids The hot dogs smell yummy Ready for your tummy And the bonfire’s bright On this magical night Such a cool sight
Lulu, 23/10/08
COLORUFUL SPARKS WITH LOTS OF SOUND, WATCH AS THE CATHERINE WHEEL, GOES ROUND AND ROUND.
COLOURFUL SPARKS UP IN THE SKY, WATCH THE ROCKET, BOY DOES IT FLY.
COLOURFUL SPARKS, WRITE YOUR NAME, HAVING NO SPARKLERS, WOULDN'T BE THE SAME.
COLOURFUL SPARKS, LOOK LEFT LOOK RIGHT, LOTS OF FUN, ON FIREWORKS NIGHT.
MANGO, 21/10/08
Bright colours in the sky look at them up there so high. Yellow blue green and red they are loud above your head. Weeeee, Whizz, bang, boom that goes through every room. The children laugh, smile and cry as the rockets hit the sky. peace at last they're all gone, just the smell lingers on. Never mind its not so bad another 12 months and they'll be back.
muffin, 21/10/08
Fireworks
Cold winter night The Dark sky Explodes with light
Cold winter night Old earth remembers The earliest right
Cold winter night Exploding, erupting, dreadful sights No eyes could see
Cold winter night There is forever danger Connected with that beginning
Pretty colours bursting Zooming, whizzing, Hiatus
Petals falling and blooming
Cold winter night There is no complete forgetting Echoes continue unrelenting
studentbunny, 21/10/08
thrilling thoughts as the explosions overhead spray into the milky autumn night
gunpowder and candyfloss as if there wasn't a more exciting smell then that
crackle pop pip pip bang whiz slam the fire leaps higher the guy starts to burn
flower, 20/10/08
Fire works are lots of fun but here's some tips for everyone: Don't put fireworks in your pockets, underpants weren't made for rockets! Don't go back once a fuse is lit, unless you don't mind losing bits (of yourself)! Keep your animals inside, They get scared and need to hide! Be safe, have fun and don't forget: the Round table fireworks, are the best yet!
Deborah Claire, 20/10/08
Remember remember the 5th November when sparks begin to fly The colours of the rainbow will light up the sky People come from far and wide to Oxford's South Park To see the biggest firework show that happens in the dark
The cold will try and get you and there’ll probably be a queue But it’s worth waiting for to get the perfect view While waiting with anticipation the kids can be heard above the din Mum what are we waiting for? When’s it going to begin?
With oohs & aahs and sounds of glee The show is magic for all to see The rockets going bang and Catherine wheels a turning The bonfire and that guy on top will soon be set burning
For extra fun and with time to spare You can always visit the little funfair And for hungry people who fancy a bite You can tuck into a hotdog or burger before saying Goodnight
Now the show is over, you’d stay longer if you could The best Firework display on offer takes place in Oxford
Nat, 20/10/08
It's that time of year, Now winter is here, For fun and laughs in the snow, But before the flakes fall, And Michaelmas calls, There's somewhere Oxfordians go. Yes, prior to christmas There's something much better It's bonfire night don't you know So put on your scarves And get to South Parks Where the fireworks steal the show. There's always a fair For those who dare And don't forget the food. There's beer and wine And musical rhyme To get you in the mood. So when it gets dark Get down to the Park For this colourful rainbow night It's the best in town So get yourself down For this one in a million sight.
Chell, 19/10/08
Wrap up warm and eyes open wide, With bright lights and colours, you're in for a visual ride. First comes the Katherine wheel. A spinning wheel of fun. Have a blast with a sparkler, Dont burn your fingers says your mum. Now look up high, up into the sky, The fireworks begin and the crowds begin to sigh. You hear the ooh's and the aah's from all around, It's so cliche, but to join in you are bound. Only once a year can you enjoy such a show, So make the most of it and watch the sky glow!
Liz, 19/10/08
Splashes of colour, flashes of light. Indigos, aquas, light up the night. Pinks and blues, in varying hues, Swirling and twirling, no true path to choose. Dancing an autumnal dance `cross the sky, Til they whiz out and fizz out and finally die.
Sarah, 19/10/08
REMEMBER THE 5TH OF NOVEMBER
Every firework night, I recall the first time I saw the stick fall
A burst of colour, The crowd cried 'Woooo...' we were blinded by the lights, especially my Nan who had poor eye sight
I was only a small child then, when I noticed it twist and fall, Onto the middle of a spectators head My Nan suddenly turned a shade of red.
'My hair is on fire!' she cried flinging her arms in the air luckly there was a paramedic near who flung a wet blanket over her hair
Sometime after she cries with laughter when telling others of her great escape and she'll remember again i'm sure this year when she notices the burnt parting in her hair!
Caz, 19/10/08
Bad Lads’ Bonfire Night
We’ve nicked some pallets from the timber yard And kicked down several fences. Got two old tires for tons of smoke And damn the consequences! Petrol’s out at a pound a litre Paraffin’s not much cheaper But cooking oil should make it burn And make the smoke much deeper. We’ll stick the guy on top tonight, Dressed up as our headmaster. If he really went up in smoke and flames It wouldn’t be a disaster.
We’ve nicked a roll of magnesium From the chemmy labs at school. It burns with a fantastic light And sparkles like a jewel. Mickey tried to make a bomb With sugar and fertilizer; Nearly lost his hand by accident: Too much oxidizer! So we’ll settle for the shop-bought kind: Rockets, roman candles, Sparklers, bangers and Catherine wheels Appeal to all us vandals.
The flames lick higher and the rockets explode While the cats all cower indoors. We chuck bangers at the other schools’ kids In our never-ending wars. Sparklers weave as their handlers’ names Are written in the smoky air, Then gutter and die, or burn bare fingers Making us shout and swear. The shells explode and colours glow bright While we share beer and cider, And the sky lights up on bonfire night Like the new hadron collider.
Simon Berry, 19/10/08
Boom Boom Fireworks A Flash of Light Twinkle Twinkle In the Night A Puff of Smoke A Gust of Wind Sparkle Sparkle She Turned and Grinned A Night of Magic A Day of Joy A Scene of Wonder The Perfect Toy
suedeonym, 18/10/08
Remember,Remember the 5th of November, or so they would have you say, but what comes to mind, when i remember those lines are: Dark, Starry Nights, with everyone wrapped up tight, bright, beautiful colours, to light up the Sky, loud bangs and Screams, oh what a dream. Cuddles and Laughter and Hot Baked Potato, thats what i recall when i hear the Cry: Remember, Remember the 5th of November.
Dee, 17/10/08
As night creeps in and day makes it’s retreat And I breathe in the smoke and wish for warm feet As I listen to sparklers fizz and the fire roar And delight in the fireworks and the crowd’s furore I wonder how much people know, or not About Guy Fawkes and the gunpowder plot
He was part of a catholic revolutionary group That instigated this historical failed coup to destroy parliament during its state opening because help for the recusants wasn’t forthcoming. When caught he was tortured for three days, or more And was sent to die through the gallows door after being hung drawn and quartered, punished to death and being slowly slaughtered but do you remember, of what you were told that he managed to jump, off the scaffold and break his neck before enduring such pain ready to commence 4000yrs of fame.
Mary Watson, 17/10/08
BANG! There goes another one, Screaming as it goes. It's getting high, Up in the sky, And fizzle - there she blows!
WHOOSH! Up high above the house, Behind a trail of sparks. Yellow, orange, Red and white, Exploding in the dark!
daz, 16/10/08
Here's one to start you off: There once was a heady young squire Who enjoyed making mischief with fire. The first bang was too tame, The next gave a good flame And the third made the moon a bit higher.
Daily Info Staff, 16/10/08
Whoosh up high above the house , behind a trail of sparks yellow,orange white and red exploding in the dark. Bang , there goes another one , screaming as it goes its getting high , up in the air and fizzes as she blows. Beautiful colours of a catherine wheel The heat of the bonfire you will feel Fireworks exploding in the sky Calm and relaxed you will lie As guys are thrown upon the fire Spectacular visions soar up higher But when the night is finally done You have next year to continue the fun
lillymoo, 16/10/08
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