Vanguard of Audacious by Henry Normal

Last year at our Celebration of Achievements our special guest speaker was Henry Normal

Henry, together with Steve Coogan, established TV comedy production company Baby Cow Productions, and he also co-wrote The Royle Family.

Henry’s speech came from the heart as he related to his life experiences and he shared some very special and relevant poetry which the audience appreciated very much.

Henry suggested that the services provided with St. Anne’s were based on love, and many people in the audience shared this sentiment.

Henry’s talk can be found on our You Tube channel – click on the link

Henry wrote a poem which we would like to share.

Vanguard of Audacious

By Henry Normal

Kindness is bravery at it’s brazen best
It’s boldest and most ballsy

It empowers all it touches
To put your heart in the line of fire
Is as heroic as it is honourable

To be gentle you offer up a vulnerable underbelly
Empathy and humanity are gifts that entail risk

No matter how everyday it may seem
To dare to act not in self interest
Is valiant

To demand dignity for others undaunted is intrepid

To find strength to confront and challenge prejudice requires courage
However uncool to cynics
To make a stand for justice, equality and even love
Is never unfashionable, never untimely

To insist that tenderness endures and that mercy is victorious
You put your body above the parapet

To face injury, loss, ridicule or one of a hundred fears
But still have resolve and compassion
Is a testament to an indomitable spirit

On whatever scale
The matter of factness of such nobility
Is a quiet but magnificent defiance