Creative Writing
In Social Studies we have been learning about migration. We learnt about the push and pull factors and the industrial revolution. To show our learning we had to create a story about what it was like in Britan at that time and why you would want to move from Britan to New Zealand.
Here is my story:
Thomas Jones - 1850 Europe
I walk home in disappointment. My hands tremble, as the thought of not bringing food tonight disappoints me. The coal factory is very dangerous, approximately one person dies every day. I wipe my sooty hands on my shirt, to examine any signs of cuts or wounds. The black soot fades away and opens up to several wounds spreading all over my hand. I walk over to the tap, open it up and start washing my hands. As I am washing my hands, a smell strengthens. It smells familiar. Then it hits me, its the scent of feces in the water. I close the tap, take a step back and start shaking my hands continuously until it’s dried. The smell disgusts me. I shake my head and begin walking home. I wave to the homeless man as I walk past. So fragile he can’t even wave back, all I get is a half smile.
I reach my doorsteps and open the door, greeted by my wife with a warm and comforting hug. She takes a step back and examines my hand to see any food. “Did you bring any dinner” Anna questions. I sigh in regret and answer “no”. She looks down in dejection and accepts the answer and hands me a poster. I read the poster in awe. It talks about a new country named New Zealand, with better water supply, cities and jobs. I hurry to my bedroom and open a small brown box situated beneath my bed. I calculate the money in jollity. " There's just enough" I whisper under my breath. I take the box back to the kitchen, " Anna" I call. She turns around and looks at the money and poster in my hand, "No, not now" she responds. " Then when Anna, It's our only way to get out this polluted place, I just lost my job and if you think we can live in London without a job, well your wrong" I answer instantly. “ To add to that we won’t be starving every second day” I reply before Anna speaks." I know that, but what about George?" answers Anna with a persuasive tone. " What about George, he's not going to remember anything and we don't want him dying from a disease, like our daughter Annie" I shout back. The shout startles her. She nods in agreement and continues sweeping the kitchen. " Why don't we go to America, I know many people going" replies back Anna in an excited tone. "It will be a shorter trip" I drag." But many people are going and it will be too crowded for us, in addition, we have a baby" I respond. " Okay," Anna mumbles and disappears up the stairs. I rush back into my bedroom and pull out my suitcase. The excitement gets to me and I start packing my suitcase, in a happy spirit.
It’s the next day. I stand in line next to Anna waiting for the ticket stall to open. Anna looks back and nudges me too as well. I look back and see a long line stretching until I don’t know where. I turn around and peek over the stall to see the ship we will be travelling on. I notice the workers loading on livestock, they don't seem to be enough for 4 months I question in my head. My mind shifts back to the people in line. Only ten people away from a new start I say in my head. “ Tickets, tickets, we are now open, come get your tickets, bound for New Zealand” shouts a bald-headed man while opening the wooden window. The voice travels far, and the line grows as time goes on. My time comes. “ How many people, what’s your name, age, steerage or cabin,” repeats the bald-headed man with a deep voice. “ Ummm, 3 people, Thomas Jones, Anna Mabel Jones and George Henry Jones,” I say, as he notes the names down on the ticket. “ I am 25, Anna is 23 and my son is 9 months old” I add. " So what are you going to be travelling in steerage or cabin?" the bald men questions. I look down at my money and see that I only have enough money for steerage. I answer in disappointment " Steerage ". “ So that is ￡15, each” responds the bald man while he opens the dark blue money box. I open my wallet and hand him the money, my savings all used on tickets I state in my head. New Zealand better be worth it. The man hands me the tickets and points me to the dock.
As we approach the dock, I see my son George curled up in a blanket sleeping peacefully, held by his grandmother. I see tears running down her cheeks as she sways him to sleep in her arms. I approach my family and hug them tightly since it will be the last time I'll see them. Just holding my tears in. Anna walks up to my mother and hugs her so tight, she bawls into tears. I run and give them both a hug. My mother hands me George and I hold on to him so tight, thinking of Annie. "I don't want to lose you". I whisper under my breath. After all the hugs we board on the ship, looking back at my family, I hope for the best. We were the last people to board the ship, as I took my foot off the wooden bridge I knew I wouldn't be coming back. The crew pulls the anchor and we set sail for New Zealand. Hopeful for a new start.
The crew members accompanied us over to the steerage. As I enter the room I hear the excitement and cries of many passengers, as they settle down. " Watch your head" alerts one of the crew members. We lower our heads and proceed walking to our bed. While we walk a couple of children run past me, nearly tripping me over. I turn around to swear but a man with dark brown hair and hazel eyes approaches me. " I'm so sorry they're just kids, please forgive them, my names Joseph," he remarks. He extends his hand for a shake. I shake his hand in acceptance and reply "My name is Thomas". We finally reach our bunk bed and I Iay George down for his nap. I leave Anna and George walking up to the deck to explore the boat. I reach the deck and a bunch of goats run past me and crew members follow. It's about 3 pm and I stand in line to get some biscuits for Anna and I. The wealthy cut in front multiple times, playing with my temper. By the time I got two biscuits, it was already 4.30pm. I walk back into the steerage, bumping my head a few times, getting used to the lowered ceilings. I hand a biscuit to Anna, she crumbles it and feeds George. I'm just about to put my biscuit in my mouth when catch eyes with a little boy hiding behind a pole, gazing at my biscuit. My stomach says eat it but my mind says otherwise. I call him over and hand him the biscuit, Anna smiles. I open my bag and pull out my diary and start writing.
Day 4
I wake up, my eyes open to rat scurrying across the floor. The day goes by very slowly, and my stomach aches since the last time I've had proper food was 2 days ago. The steerage starts to smell and the first half of the steerage has been infested with rats. There has been no storm but the crew has warned us some will approach as time goes on. I have made friends with a Joseph, the same guy who's children bumped into me. He has 4 children, Emma, Rose, Elizabeth and Charles. His wife ( Rosie ) has been sick for many days and she's barely been able to walk. Anna has been looking after her.
Day 28
We had our first storm. Many passengers didn't survive and Josephs wife died. We had to throw her and other passengers overboard, otherwise, the place would reak of dead bodies. I saw Josephs face when he threw her overboard, a piece of him just vanishing into thin air. From that day, I connected to Joseph, losing someone you really love, I know that feeling. Since then I have been looking after Joseph's children and feeding them. Many days I have gone without food. But I make sure Anna and George eat. Anna has been becoming ill recently and throwing up. The infestation of rats has increased and they are slowly drifting to our side.
Day 53
It has been so long since I've seen land, nothing on the boat seems to interest me anymore. Every day becoming more monotonous as times goes on. The food is very tedious, and clean water is slowly running out. Rats are now infesting the food, and many kids are dying of chicken pox. George has been walking now and he's able to say many words. I try to keep him away from the children with the diseases. Josephs children have been better since the last time I wrote, but they still get very emotional.
Day 89
It has been extremely long since we have had access to good food, and passengers are dying of starvation. Several passengers begging the wealthy for food. The boat has been sailing faster, seems like we might reach New Zealand ahead of the selected date. Anna has been looking after Josephs children, the girls primarily have been missing their mother. Joseph as well has been becoming more miserable as time goes on. I try to cheer him up but no expression.
Day 119
I'm a day away from landing and my heart beats faster and faster. However, Joseph has been becoming very Ill and he's barely been able to walk to the deck. I pray for him. I hope he makes it to New Zealand. Today is George's birthday he turned 1, everyone in the steerage adores him. The food has run out and we won't be eating for another 8 hours.
I'm finally here after 120 days, I'm finally here. As I reflect back on my journey, many things I have forgotten. But we made it. I pack my clothes in excitement, ready to leave this god damn ship. The bells ring as everyone lines up to depart the ship, my heart beating quicker and quicker as I step up the stairs. I reach the end of the stairs and see huge green tree's and bushes spread all over the land. They spread until I don't know where. I hear the excitement and disbelief of the passengers, as they wait in line." This is nothing like London," I say in awe to Anna. She gives me a nod. The crew drops the anchor and opens the bridge, everyone rushing out. I too rush out and start to touch the grass. Like I've never seen grass before. Walking in amazement, the cold wind kicks my face. I turn around and see Joseph, lying on the ground he looks unconscious I state in my head. I drop my suitcase and run to him. I approach him," Look after my children, you'll have to raise them now," Joseph says in a weak way. " Okay," I reply in grief. I pick him up and lower him into the cold water, his children crying, as he floats away. I hug the children and walk them over to the crowd of people. I stand in line when a Maori comes up to me. He's wearing a skirt, it looks like it's made out of leaves and he's carrying a spear. It appears like he's going to attack me. I try not to show that I am afraid, I slowly push the children behind me. " Do you need a place to stay?" says the Maori Man in a deep voice. " Umm, sure, okay " I respond in confusion. He escorts me over to a tent made with long light brown leaves. I check the surrounding to make sure it's all clear." Thank you," I say. We sit down on the ground and try to communicate with them. I realise he and his family can speak English.
Five days after our arrival I worked with the Maori guy his name Kerehoma. We fished for seals and fish we could sell or trade to get money or necessities. His way of fishing was completely different from mine, he used baskets to catch fish. Through this basket system, I have got many basic necessities. The children get along with Kerehoma's children just fine, they are learning Maori games which keep them busy. Anna has been learning to weave baskets and sitting mats, with Kerehoma's wife. Seems like Maori's aren't bad after all. We soon created our own tent with the long leaves and started living in it. New Zealand seems like a dream.....
http://rootsroutes.com/history
https://dawlishchronicles.com/steerage-passengers-on-the-north-atlantic/
http://www.norwayheritage.com/steerage.htm
https://waiotaiki.co.nz/blog/a-rich-history/
https://firstindustrialrevolution.weebly.com/working-and-living-conditions.html
I walk home in disappointment. My hands tremble, as the thought of not bringing food tonight disappoints me. The coal factory is very dangerous, approximately one person dies every day. I wipe my sooty hands on my shirt, to examine any signs of cuts or wounds. The black soot fades away and opens up to several wounds spreading all over my hand. I walk over to the tap, open it up and start washing my hands. As I am washing my hands, a smell strengthens. It smells familiar. Then it hits me, its the scent of feces in the water. I close the tap, take a step back and start shaking my hands continuously until it’s dried. The smell disgusts me. I shake my head and begin walking home. I wave to the homeless man as I walk past. So fragile he can’t even wave back, all I get is a half smile.
It’s the next day. I stand in line next to Anna waiting for the ticket stall to open. Anna looks back and nudges me too as well. I look back and see a long line stretching until I don’t know where. I turn around and peek over the stall to see the ship we will be travelling on. I notice the workers loading on livestock, they don't seem to be enough for 4 months I question in my head. My mind shifts back to the people in line. Only ten people away from a new start I say in my head. “ Tickets, tickets, we are now open, come get your tickets, bound for New Zealand” shouts a bald-headed man while opening the wooden window. The voice travels far, and the line grows as time goes on. My time comes. “ How many people, what’s your name, age, steerage or cabin,” repeats the bald-headed man with a deep voice. “ Ummm, 3 people, Thomas Jones, Anna Mabel Jones and George Henry Jones,” I say, as he notes the names down on the ticket. “ I am 25, Anna is 23 and my son is 9 months old” I add. " So what are you going to be travelling in steerage or cabin?" the bald men questions. I look down at my money and see that I only have enough money for steerage. I answer in disappointment " Steerage ". “ So that is ￡15, each” responds the bald man while he opens the dark blue money box. I open my wallet and hand him the money, my savings all used on tickets I state in my head. New Zealand better be worth it. The man hands me the tickets and points me to the dock. As we approach the dock, I see my son George curled up in a blanket sleeping peacefully, held by his grandmother. I see tears running down her cheeks as she sways him to sleep in her arms. I approach my family and hug them tightly since it will be the last time I'll see them. Just holding my tears in. Anna walks up to my mother and hugs her so tight, she bawls into tears. I run and give them both a hug. My mother hands me George and I hold on to him so tight, thinking of Annie. "I don't want to lose you". I whisper under my breath. After all the hugs we board on the ship, looking back at my family, I hope for the best. We were the last people to board the ship, as I took my foot off the wooden bridge I knew I wouldn't be coming back. The crew pulls the anchor and we set sail for New Zealand. Hopeful for a new start.
The crew members accompanied us over to the steerage. As I enter the room I hear the excitement and cries of many passengers, as they settle down. " Watch your head" alerts one of the crew members. We lower our heads and proceed walking to our bed. While we walk a couple of children run past me, nearly tripping me over. I turn around to swear but a man with dark brown hair and hazel eyes approaches me. " I'm so sorry they're just kids, please forgive them, my names Joseph," he remarks. He extends his hand for a shake. I shake his hand in acceptance and reply "My name is Thomas". We finally reach our bunk bed and I Iay George down for his nap. I leave Anna and George walking up to the deck to explore the boat. I reach the deck and a bunch of goats run past me and crew members follow. It's about 3 pm and I stand in line to get some biscuits for Anna and I. The wealthy cut in front multiple times, playing with my temper. By the time I got two biscuits, it was already 4.30pm. I walk back into the steerage, bumping my head a few times, getting used to the lowered ceilings. I hand a biscuit to Anna, she crumbles it and feeds George. I'm just about to put my biscuit in my mouth when catch eyes with a little boy hiding behind a pole, gazing at my biscuit. My stomach says eat it but my mind says otherwise. I call him over and hand him the biscuit, Anna smiles. I open my bag and pull out my diary and start writing.Day 4
I wake up, my eyes open to rat scurrying across the floor. The day goes by very slowly, and my stomach aches since the last time I've had proper food was 2 days ago. The steerage starts to smell and the first half of the steerage has been infested with rats. There has been no storm but the crew has warned us some will approach as time goes on. I have made friends with a Joseph, the same guy who's children bumped into me. He has 4 children, Emma, Rose, Elizabeth and Charles. His wife ( Rosie ) has been sick for many days and she's barely been able to walk. Anna has been looking after her.
Day 28
We had our first storm. Many passengers didn't survive and Josephs wife died. We had to throw her and other passengers overboard, otherwise, the place would reak of dead bodies. I saw Josephs face when he threw her overboard, a piece of him just vanishing into thin air. From that day, I connected to Joseph, losing someone you really love, I know that feeling. Since then I have been looking after Joseph's children and feeding them. Many days I have gone without food. But I make sure Anna and George eat. Anna has been becoming ill recently and throwing up. The infestation of rats has increased and they are slowly drifting to our side.
Day 53
It has been so long since I've seen land, nothing on the boat seems to interest me anymore. Every day becoming more monotonous as times goes on. The food is very tedious, and clean water is slowly running out. Rats are now infesting the food, and many kids are dying of chicken pox. George has been walking now and he's able to say many words. I try to keep him away from the children with the diseases. Josephs children have been better since the last time I wrote, but they still get very emotional.
Day 89
It has been extremely long since we have had access to good food, and passengers are dying of starvation. Several passengers begging the wealthy for food. The boat has been sailing faster, seems like we might reach New Zealand ahead of the selected date. Anna has been looking after Josephs children, the girls primarily have been missing their mother. Joseph as well has been becoming more miserable as time goes on. I try to cheer him up but no expression.
Day 119
I'm a day away from landing and my heart beats faster and faster. However, Joseph has been becoming very Ill and he's barely been able to walk to the deck. I pray for him. I hope he makes it to New Zealand. Today is George's birthday he turned 1, everyone in the steerage adores him. The food has run out and we won't be eating for another 8 hours.
I'm finally here after 120 days, I'm finally here. As I reflect back on my journey, many things I have forgotten. But we made it. I pack my clothes in excitement, ready to leave this god damn ship. The bells ring as everyone lines up to depart the ship, my heart beating quicker and quicker as I step up the stairs. I reach the end of the stairs and see huge green tree's and bushes spread all over the land. They spread until I don't know where. I hear the excitement and disbelief of the passengers, as they wait in line." This is nothing like London," I say in awe to Anna. She gives me a nod. The crew drops the anchor and opens the bridge, everyone rushing out. I too rush out and start to touch the grass. Like I've never seen grass before. Walking in amazement, the cold wind kicks my face. I turn around and see Joseph, lying on the ground he looks unconscious I state in my head. I drop my suitcase and run to him. I approach him," Look after my children, you'll have to raise them now," Joseph says in a weak way. " Okay," I reply in grief. I pick him up and lower him into the cold water, his children crying, as he floats away. I hug the children and walk them over to the crowd of people. I stand in line when a Maori comes up to me. He's wearing a skirt, it looks like it's made out of leaves and he's carrying a spear. It appears like he's going to attack me. I try not to show that I am afraid, I slowly push the children behind me. " Do you need a place to stay?" says the Maori Man in a deep voice. " Umm, sure, okay " I respond in confusion. He escorts me over to a tent made with long light brown leaves. I check the surrounding to make sure it's all clear." Thank you," I say. We sit down on the ground and try to communicate with them. I realise he and his family can speak English.Five days after our arrival I worked with the Maori guy his name Kerehoma. We fished for seals and fish we could sell or trade to get money or necessities. His way of fishing was completely different from mine, he used baskets to catch fish. Through this basket system, I have got many basic necessities. The children get along with Kerehoma's children just fine, they are learning Maori games which keep them busy. Anna has been learning to weave baskets and sitting mats, with Kerehoma's wife. Seems like Maori's aren't bad after all. We soon created our own tent with the long leaves and started living in it. New Zealand seems like a dream.....
http://rootsroutes.com/history
https://dawlishchronicles.com/steerage-passengers-on-the-north-atlantic/
http://www.norwayheritage.com/steerage.htm
https://waiotaiki.co.nz/blog/a-rich-history/
https://firstindustrialrevolution.weebly.com/working-and-living-conditions.html
