We have been sent this wonderful poem by one of our children, Jacob, aged 10, who is a submariner’s son. It won second place in the Never Such Innocence competition 2020. Huge congratulations to Jacob.

This is normal for me.

This is normal for me, but some people don’t know how it feels.

It can get rough sometimes, children tease because I’m different.

Dad is not there.

I watch the sea for him, I stand still and stare.

This is normal for me, but it might be different if you stayed around a lot.

Christmas, birthdays, holidays, New Years, when we have been apart.

Missing someone so much I have no words for being so sad.

Separation and silence. 

This is normal for me, counting days until you are gone,

No mark on the calendar to count down your return.

You had to leave me in hospital, I knew you had to go.

You do such a good job and you were hurting too I know.

This is normal for me, it would help if you knew how it feels.

To feel special, to be part of my family and community.

Every time I see you I am filled with such joy.

You’re important to me, you’re important to everybody, our country.

I still watch the sea. This is normal for me.

By Jacob Mason age 10 (Serving Submariners son)

You can find his poem and the other winners via this link (they are all amazing!): https://www.neversuchinnocence.com/2019-20-winners