What Is Scouse?

Created by: Collective Encounters Adult Theatre for Social Change Group

I’m not religious, I’m not political. I’m not your stereotypical scouser, I’m just me. “What is Scouse?” Ask the Mouse. “It's where it's at,” said the Alley Cat. Scouse is the tradition, Slung deep within Liverpool’s core. We are a city that just likes to talk. Talk to another Scouser when you're away And it comes back thick and fast. It can be hard but fair, hard as a rock or soft as putty. A stranger hears “EEEEE” and “Lah” A brother hears home, support and unity.

Liverpool beacon Blue and Red divide us Humour unites us. The home of football The terraces with alleys. Stories of ages gone,

Our moon Sweet tune To be owned not alone Welcome home.

Many scars lay deep within Huge heart, soul spirit. Feelings of embarrassment, anger, hurt and shame, Remember the Sun headlines. Hillsborough - The Truth. Why does Liverpool exist? Then of course there's Thatcher, Liverpool must be destroyed. You failed. Unjust troubled times Many scars lay deep within. Stuck. Hillsborough The Truth.

Fighting for justice Pushing for our voices to be heard beyond the docks. Ah Liverpool, the city of magic. With such wonderful sights. Huge heart, soul spirit. Conflicted about being English But by God proud to be scouse.

An introvert in a city of extroverts Writing about experiences, Living through writing A typical scouser With the warmth of the city alive, The warmth that embodies me, and I smile. Homeless or living it up. We all bleed red.

The ASDA, Home and Bargain or TJ’s A sense of belonging, Where one is welcomed with smiles and open arms. Liverpool people, scousers Tough and funny, hearts of gold. Don’t do anything amiss or take the piss.

Our moon Sweet tune To be owned not alone Welcome home.

Do we invest in the future as well as remembering the past?

This poem was inspired by “Finding a Rhyme for Alphabet Soup: An Interview with Roger McGough” by Deryn Rees-Jones. To find out more about McGough, and his archive at the University of Liverpool visit: https://libguides.liverpool.ac.uk/library/sca/rogermcgough