We are delighted to share a poem written by Amander Wellings, a member of the public who is also on the Make it Public campaign group.
She shared this poem during our. Make it Public workshop 2024.
Once again, Norm the Trafalgar Square pigeon scans the horizon from his roost.
Atop the fourth column
Atop the dust covered ” Journal of Research Gobbledegook”
Atop the long library ladder so out of reach!
“Make research the transparency the Norm” its title a health research campaign piece
Norm was curious about this last year!
His fame spread far and wide, It reached the ears of Reg from Valentines Park, also a curious pigeon.
He flew to visit Norm and tell him the tales of Parklife.
Norm is unhappy in Trafalgar Square.
Worried about bird flu, and a tuppence a bag now a thing of the past.
He grows curious of parklife, decides to visit.
Reg and Norm sit and dream of a community event.
Researchers working with Ilford residents, under a Make it Public banner.
Sharing the value of public and pigeon involvement in research. They have a picnic and create art together to spread the world.
Reg and Norm speak to Doctor Dolittle and people from the Make it Public campaign.
Community comes together to learn.
All easily understood in pigeon English, such a coo to knowledge mobilisation,
Miles away from the dusty journal of research gobbledegook.
Research where it needs to be, accessible to all to make change happen.
They wake, and talk perched on Reg’s tree.
If knowledge was shared on Reg’s tree, the pigeon and public could learn much.
Research transparency could become the norm.
The people of Ilford just want to make it WELLford.
Community events and conversation help that shared value, from pigeon, to public, to professor, to surgeon, we all want the same goal!
As for Norm, He has left the hustle and bustle of Trafalgar square behind and is enjoying the sound of the bees and smell of the lavender.
He may even find love in Valentines Park?