Sent Away

This collection of poems has been written by men and women as part of their recovery from the harm and trauma of being sent away at a young age to boarding school. The harm is not specifically due to hardship, cruelty or abuse: but the fundamental rift of broken attachment to parents, home, pets, toys and all that is familiar to the young child. Commonly, awareness of the impact of the boarding experience does not manifest until well into adult life. Former boarders often lead successful lives, but become increasingly conscious that something in them is incomplete. An event, such as a broken relationship or their own children starting school, can trigger a powerful response of distress and confusion, even to the point of breakdown and collapse. Only by seeking professional help and by their own hard work do they come to understand what has happened to them - that it is not their fault; that they can grow and learn from the experience; and that they can see themselves and those they love in a new and kinder light. Creativity can play a large part in this process, be it in the visual arts, drama, writing or, as in this book, poetry.
The editors, two of whom are former boarders, all have worked as part of Boarding School Concern and its predecessors to help former boarders come to terms with their situation. For this book, they have made a selection from the poems written over many years for Poetry Corner at the well-regarded annual conference held by Boarding School Concern. In addition, they have chosen some other poems from the literature that particularly well express the impact of boarding. This anthology will be a route to reflection at the deepest level for former boarders. For psychotherapists, counsellors and educators it will provide insight into the often buried turmoil of the former boarder's psyche.