Ruby Johnston, an eleven year old student at John Kyrle High School, is enjoying literary success with the publication of her first poetry anthology.

She told the Ross Gazette that she had been influenced by early exposure to literature. She said: “Before I could even talk, my parents read poetry to me. I think this has influenced me greatly as a poet. When I started reading poetry for myself, I enjoyed reading Roald Dahl, Edward Lear and Walter De La Mare. My favourite poem is ‘Silver’ by Walter De La Mare because I like the repetition and I can really visualise the scene. I also like ‘Sea Fever’ by John Masefield as it has beautiful rhythm and flow.”

Ruby explained that a family friend, Jack Challoner, was able to help her publish her work which began when she was just seven years old. She said: “The oldest part of the book is the last two lines of ‘Mystified Dragons’ which were written when I was only seven years old, but I added to it later to lengthen the poem. Other poems written when I was very young include: ‘Sleep’,’A whale of a time’, ‘The cold giraffe’,’Monsters’ and ‘Unknown Creeper’. After writing these, I found that I enjoyed writing poetry and so carried on. I write about many different subjects; whenever I feel inspired.

“Poetry anthologies introduced me to more poets and many different styles of verse. From reading all kinds of poetry, I began to experiment with different forms for myself, haikus, narrative poems and free verse, which I found hardest to write as I was used to rhyming and found it hard to find a rhythm without it. I am currently studying epic poetry - which is new to me - in English at John Kyrle High School, which I am enjoying very much.”

Ruby explained that her book is a collection of memories, snapshots, flashbacks to holidays, adventures and experiences. The poem ‘The Book that lost the Race’ was entered into BBC Radio 2’s 500 words competition 2018. This poem is a post-apocalyptic narrative poem about the destruction of the human race but how nature thrives in a new world with no humans.

The poem ‘Baby Boy’ was written shortly after meeting her new cousin for the first time. The poems, ‘A poem for Mum’ and ‘A poem for Dad’ were written for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Ruby is currently working on her new collection.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.