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WestEustonPurplePoets
Founding Member
Eppie Caredda
Eppie
Caredda
I was born in The Philippines in
San Carlos City in the province of Pangasinan. I came to England in June
1972 , aged 39, and worked as a nanny in a private family in Slough,
Bukinghamshire, with three boys (aged 10, 8 and a 3 month old baby).
My contract ran out after two years and
I applied to work at The Middlesex Hospital, London, in the catering department.
Then I was offered a choice of a job as either a cashier or a secretary in
the office. I chose to be a cashier. I was married and when my child Maria
was born, I felt I had to resign to look after my child for two years. Then,
so I could still look after her, I took part-time jobs at University College
London and University College Hospital.
I retired at 60. I had arthritis and high
blood pressure, so my GP doctor recommended that I do exercises with the
West Euston Third Age Group. I took Gym classes and Tai Chi classes and I
joined the West Euston Third Age Project (and also the Time Bank when it
was created).
My doctor now says I am alright
and I have improved my physical health. Over the years, I have taken part
in many activities. After joining Gym and Tai Chi, I joined Belly-Dancing
(first taught by Kristina, and now taught by Anne) and also the Traditional
Country Dance (first taught by Chris, and now by Mary). Then I joined Drama
(taught by Alicia) and Poetry (taught by Kim). I also take part in Jewellery
(first taught by Melanie, now taught by Beverley) and Sewing classes (first
taught by Christine).
I was amazed to find that I am one of
the international purple poets. I feel wonderful. I never expected that I
would still have these commitments and this community in my life.
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Poetry-In-Progress
ANG BAYAN KO |
MY COUNTRY
EVER DEAREST, DEAR MUM
LUCKY JOY
LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO FIGHT THE DROUGHT
MY PARISH CHURCH IN OGLE STREET
(All poems © Eppie (Epifania) Caredda. All rights reserved).
Latest Poem:
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Eppie Caredda
Ang Bayan Ko
15.02.2007
Ang bayan Kong Philipinas
Lupain ng gintot bulaklak
Pag-ibig ng sa kanyang palad
Nag=alay ng gandat dilag
At sa kanyang yumi at ganda
Dayuhan ay nahalina
Bayan ko, binihag ka
Nasadlak ka sa dusa ...
Ibon mang may layang lumipad
Kulangin mo at umiiyak
Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag
Ang di nag-nasang makaalpas
O! Pilipinas kong minumutya
Pugad, ka ng luha at dalita
Aking aghika -- ang ...
Makita kang-sakdal laya.
My Country
[translation of "Ang Bayan Ko"]
by Eppie Caredda 15.02.2007
My country the Philippines
Land of Honey, Tropical Flowers and Gold
Love permeates its heart.
Which brings panoramic beauty
And amazing grace.
These niceties captivate many strangers
That may be why they had to stay so long.
Even more than a hundred years.
Oh my beloved country, the Philippines
Was held hostage and enslaved in hardships for so long.
Like the chirping bird that craves to fly
Without limit. Cage it
And it will surely cry.
What more will this beautiful land endure.
Will it not also aim for a boundless Liberty?
Philippines my beloved
Lair of struggles and tears
My only dream for you
Is to see you again
Completely Free.
Eppie Caredda first performed this poem with the Purple Poets at
the H-pod Cumberland Market Square on International
Language Day February 22, 2007. |
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Eppie Caredda
Ever Dearest, Dear
Mum
Autumn 2007
Dear Mum, you mean the world to me.
You lifted me when I couldn't stand.
Your eyes sparkled when I was happy
You were beside me when I was afraid.
You comforted me when I was sad.
You brought me strength when I was weak
You gave me your wisdom when I was lost.
Yes, Mum, you loved me
No matter what I am.
Oh, I love you, My Ever Dearest Mum!
Eppie Caredda first performed this poem with the Purple Poets
for the Mayor of Camden, Jill Fraser, at the Diorama
Art Gallery on National Poetry Day October 5th,
2006. |
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Eppie Caredda
My First Visit To
My Parish Church
In Ogle Street
20.07.2006
Here in this parish church
There came comforting thought
Someone is here whose love
My
spirit sought.
Here in this parish church,
Love-filled I did rejoice;
And listen
To
his tender voice
Here in this parish church
He said when will you start -
When will you give me -
All
your heart?
Eppie Caredda first performed this poem with the Purple Poets at
the 2006 Cumberland Market
Festival, Cumberland Market, at 2 p.m. on the Main Stage on July 29,
2006. |
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Eppie Caredda
Let's Work Together
To Fight the Drought
04.06.2006
Summertime is here again
The mighty sun starts shining
Over me and London Town
Oh, what a lovely feeling -
I love the sudden change
From wind and rain to sunny days
But this time we have to watch out
To prevent the drought.
Let us tighten our taps all around
The house and in our gardens
Love plants, but choose them well
Knowing that everything needs water for life
So Let's Work Together
To fight the Drought.
Eppie Caredda first performed this poem with the Purple Poets at
the 2006 Camden Green Fair, Regent's Park, June 4,
2006 |
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Eppie Caredda
Lucky Joy
2004
My pet cat's name is Lucky Joy.
Whenever I come home from any appointment
He is always there to welcome me with his Usual greeting
'MEOW, MEOW, MEOW!'
Oh how I felt so relieved
So happy to get a hug, cuddle,
Stroke his silky hair
No matter how tired I am
Or how exhausted I am
No more pain nor sorrow within me
But joy, love, care
That's the best time of my life, with my cat
LUCKY JOY!
Eppie Caredda first published this poem in London Time: Poetry
from
London's Time Banks ( nef: London, 2004) |
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This is an educational site.
© resides with the author. All rights reserved.
West Euston Purple Poets
Writer-in-Residence
Kim Morrissey.
For permission to use any of this material
please contact the West Euston
Time Bank.
London Time Banks
are supported by The Community Fund,
the Association of London Government,
the King's Fund and Bridge House Estates Trust
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