Fair dinkum this is a hot Christmas
Even Ma got crook having to cook
So puts on a face
Bought a box of beaut chockies for Ma
By crikey they melted in the ute
Just like Marble Bar
Kids dead set to have a skinny dip
The creek's water and fish have all gone
On a day like this
Water tank's low dunno how it will go
All the stock are bleating in vain
They're always a pain
So flat out like a lizard drinking
Fixed fence, fed stock and cleaned all their troughs
Hard yakka all done
Then who do I see but brother Bill
"G'day" he says "Been driving all night"
"Could I stay a day?
"Thought I'd have Chrissie in the bush
"Fixed it with Ma, we'll get legless again"
"No worries", I grinned
"Bit of work to do first, don't you see?
Best get that clobber off, lend a hand
You're back on the land!"
T'was best time we had since we lost Dad
Gave hard yakka a rest and Bill said
"How I love "Straya"
Australian slang expressions and meaning:
Beaut Beautiful, Great
Bush Distant countryside
Chrissie Christmas
Clobber Clothes
Crook Annoyed, Sick
Dead Set Intent, True
Dunno Don't know
Fair dinkum The truth, The real thing
Flat out like a lizard drinking Very fast, busy
G'day Polite Hello
Gorn Vanished, gone
Legless Happily Drunk
Ma Wife (especially with kids)
Marble Bar Hottest town in Australia
No worries No problem, It's OK
Skinny Dip Naked bathing
"Straya" Australia, Home
Ute Utillity, small car sized truck
Hard Yakka Hard work
Image found at https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/485403666061082839/
Love can be so cruel
But it is worse in winter
When your young miss boots you out
Cold lonely days of darkness
Mourning a lost love
Love makes fools of us
But are we discouraged? No!
We should but shrug our shoulders
Forget what we have just lost
Bravely wag our tails
'Less we are fragile
Knowing that sister's advice
"That your girl was horrible
Plenty of fish in he sea"
Won't heal my poor heart
Mind you, she was right
About a fortnight later
I met this girl Sally Anne
And we clicked in a moment
Why's Sis always right?
Why is love so beaut?
But it is best in spring time
When everything blooms again
Kissing Sal is such a treat
Her eyes say it all
Image found at https://pixabay.com/
Yes, how I remember you
Springtime. Oh so long ago
We lay amongst the flowers
In the fields of verdant green
Watching the clouds up above
For a hint of some showers
Bees were buzzing all around
We kissed as friends always do
Not once thinking we would part
Future never on our minds
Never realizing that
Our lives were about to start
Enid your name, eyes of green
Where are you now my sweet love?
Are you old and tired like me
Dreaming of clouds and flowers
Of this boy you loved so much
A love that would never be?
Image of 'Springtime' by S Anderson found at http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/
Do you remember me?
I was te guy who smiled
When last New Year came round
After months in hospital
All but interred in the ground
My mind altered with drugs
Needles and drips what fun
Difficult to walk now
"It's time to go home sir
So it's steady as you go"
"My stomach's not happy"
I say to my doctor
"It's tum's bacteria
Dietician for you
Fix appointment to see her"
"You must cut acid foods"
Explains Fodmap diet
All the food that I love
I'm forbidden to eat
"Really! Good heavens above
"But Christmas is here
So what shall I do please?
"Just don't overdo it
Eat in moderation
I'm sure you'll benefit"
Being on a diet at Christmas can be a stressful time but I survived!
Image fond at https://pixabay.com/en/turkey-christmas-tjena-kitchen-1929971/
My grandfather grunted
As was his way
Family gathering
Was not what he wanted
This Christmas Day
With boughs of green holly
Decorations too
The smell of sweet balsam
Kids brought the foliage
What a 'to do'!
Ma said give him a dram
That's what we did
Church bells were ringing
In city spires down town
Us they did bid
So we all went to church
Except Granddad
All rugged up in our coats
Kids vainly wished for snow
Grownups quite glad
Grandma glad Dad refused
Said he'd just moan
We looked at the bare trees
At church got to squeeze in
Pew of our own
Going home Grandma said
A letter came
From a retirement home
Reserving them a place
(Won't be the same)
But thinking it over
Their worries cut
In future was our turn
To organise Christmas
No ifs or buts
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/coffee-drink-coffee-cup-cup-335663/
Once so long before I was wed
I had a girl whose name was Sue
With whom I walked each night
Holding hands and kissing as lovers do
In a dark unattended park
We sat down on a handy bench
First we hugged and then we kissed
I must confess she's a beautiful wench
How great she was I must tell you
Such charms I wanted to cry out loud
Her lips, her eyes, her warmth
Then a full moon came from behind a cloud
Jealous that white orb surely was
Our kisses stopped as Sue stared up
And fell for Moon's love spell
So I supped no more from her loving cup
So in future I wooed indoors
Where romance bloomed to my delight
Free from Moon's meddling ways
It was warmer too each cold winter's night
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/lovers-moon-love-couple-flower-3640828/
I shouldn't really tell you this
But I've had a Thylacine kiss
Who poked his nose at me
To see what other food he'd get for free
I'd gone walking in the deep bush
South of town when I heard a whoosh
Could have been a bird or a bat
Or any creature on God's Earth come to that
So anyhow I'd sat me down
When this creature with stripes of brown
Came out and stared at me
Then sat down under a eucalyptus tree
I had beef sandwich in my hand
So threw a bit in the bushland
His eyes watched every move
Then got up, found food so me did approve
With nod wandered back to his tree
Closer this time staring at me
So we shared all my food
Then leaned back as though sleep was my mood
Through half closed eyes relaxed my head
And he curled up ready for bed
Place his head on my knee
First sniffed my clothes then licked my hand for me
I drifted off in land of dreams
And woke, all was not as it seems
Thylacine was long gone
My special treat to recall ever on
Image found at http://www.cfzaustralia.com/2010/11/thylacines-vanish-from-loch-sport.html
I love the beauty of the night
While all of you are sitting tight
I wander down dark muddy tracks
To get buffeted by the wind
Hear the howl and thrum of a train
As all around is kissed by rain
Shops are closed and signs spin around
Hundreds of birds rise at my call
Laugh as raindrops fall on my neck
Sudden noise makes me smirk and grin
As I hear the howl of midnight wind
Lucky me I'm free and have no kin
Usually I say not one word
Perhaps a grunt at station gate
Or nod as I pass others by
What need of talk, they're nought to me
Once asked "Who to tell that you're dead?"
"None" I said "for she's gone ahead"
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/homeless-genre-painting-budapest-813618/
 |
| Sally in winter |
Winter is not a happy time
Whereas summer is sublime
Where one can play and love at ease
And watch the stars just as we please
At the beach I see much more of her
Whereas all others seem a blur
Cuddles are really much more fun
With much less things to be undone
Winter comes and shows its grey dome
And bitter cold freezes my bones
So I find I must limber up
And run about at a gallop
In fact it's like a cold valley
Such as with my girlfriend Sally
Who keeps shivering with the cold
So she in my arms I enfold
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/winter-cold-snow-christmas-frost-3052622/
Why is it that now I am old
That childhood stares me in the face
To relive those halcyon days
I dream of climbing trees again
And wade in flowing water streams
To wake crying from my sad dreams
I see children iPad in their hands
Wasting the best time of their lives
So drift back to my youthful days
Watching steam engines roaring by
Perched at top of railway cutting
Smoke in face and eyes a'smarting
And dare I tell you the tale of Joan
My first real girlfriend all alone
With gentle touch and sweetest kiss
Our sighs marked first step in our lives
That put all childish things away
On a journey to this very day
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/couple-love-teenagers-young-boy-2176614/
Peace be with you
Well I hope for the best
Whether you be human
Or a bird on its nest
In charge am I
Of birds, trees, fish and seas
It's money in the bank
That's important to me
Our lesson learned
We don't mean that at all
Those humans are so cruel
Not caring if you fall
Trees they're useful
And water we can sell
Now just what did you say
Folks are living in hell?
The waste chokes us
Ice caps melting away
The seas are dying now
Strangely quiet today
We are laughing
We have made so much cash
But we are in trouble
Things are starting to crash
Nature has won
Do you hear that sweet song
It's peace on Earth day
Humans have now all gone
Images found at https://pixabay.com/en/whale-breaching-ocean-mammal-2678819/
https://pixabay.com/en/robin-singing-nature-bird-red-1703776/
A scruffy cat adopted us
One cold December day
My wife agreed to keep him
If some rent he did pay
So I stroked his furry back
And whispered in his ear
He agreed to catch some mice
He'd be busy have no fear
So that day he got to work
Tiptoeing on his paws
Busy in the garden
First mouse caught...great applause!
He holds us to the bargain
Sleeps at foot of our bed
Or by the fire or fridge
Where he wants...enough said?
He mounts all the furniture
Runs as if in a race
No longer thin he sits
On our laps with some grace
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/cat-christmas-tree-pussycat-1207460/
Were your eyes glancing at me?
Or did I sense your perfume
While the crowds kept on talking
As you entered through the door
My heart beat like anything
Was only us in the room
When you smiled, I loved you more
Image found at https://www.knowledgeformen.com
Oh what a surprise
When I looked in your eyes
You stared right back at me
Smiling so winsomely
Well I must confess
A adored your sweet dress
Was cut low at the back
Glances you did not lack
How proud I did feel
As though I'd spun the wheel
And won the jackpot as
I asked "Dance with me lass?"
Placed your hand in mine
My dear that was divine
As our eyes then did lock
And our minds ran amok
Was love at first sight
And just try as I might
There was no denying
It was love, not a fling
You nod when you heard
Me now saying each word
"Please will you marry me"
You did of course agree
Image found at https://www.pinterest.com.au
Yesterday the sun shone
But now she's fled, she's gone
Yet people's faces smile
Christmas is coming,she's been gone awhile
Despite the rain and cold
Shoppers are being bold
Buying before the rush
To miss the season's usual push and crush
I watch them, knowing well
Winter's better some tell
For their thoughts are not sad
As cruel winter's cold and snow drive them mad
They think food, gifts and fun
As round the tree kids run
Their faces all aglow
And lovers kiss under the mistletoe
Image found at http://hotkisstips.com/kissing-tips/why-kiss-under-the-mistletoe.htm
From my life there was something missing
I admire you in so many ways
But am afraid with all this kissing
and acrobatics could end my days
You're awesome, with you I struck a chord
Being with you both at night and day
But gymnastics I can't afford
I regret I can no longer play
I loved you and much more was my aim
Sweet girl so sorry I failed the test
Goodbye, I'll wear an apron of shame
You took me me further than I'd guessed
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/akroyoga-sea-truck-flying-pose-1753837/
I gently kiss your pretty nose
And run my fingers through your hair
Your sigh repeated not only once
As I whisper soft words that I care
You touch my face with your hands
And tenderly look me in the eyes
I hold you close and promise all
As tears confirm our future ties
I breathe your scent that I know so well
Your embrace confirms our love
As murmurs of our passions stir
Fond blessings from above
Image found at https://trome.pe
This poem published a few years ago asked to given another airing; so I have obliged
I returned to England as my brother had died. He was penniless and I found out that he had been out of work for some time with a failing heart and lungs riddled with cancer. He had one skill apart from bullying me as I was two years younger than him and I don't think he ever forgave me for breast feeding with our mother. Growing up and being told to go outside and play together was a harsh punishment for me. He didn't like me tagging along with his friends and would punch me or push me in the stinging nettles by the path that led to the woods. Once I came home with a broken wrist after falling from a tree that I climbed. My mother's first reaction was "Did your brother do that to you?", so I said "No". I don't think she believed me. So following advice of his death I sifted through what possessions of his that were left. Virtually nothing remained but evidence of his skill as a photographer. Boxes and boxes of film and prints; so I spent time going through them selecting some for myself and some for his ex-wife who said she would like some memories too despite divorcing him some years prior. With that his sixty-five years of life were gone; obliterated and forgotten whist I returned to my home country the other side of the world with photographs of everything and everyone but him.
Where were you my friend
When I needed a brother?
Not one photograph
Image found at https://petapixel.com/2015/02/22/americas-first-female-photojournalist-jessie-tarbox-beals-with-her-cameras/
Yes, this story is based on fact
 |
| Late autumn |
I hate the way autumn comes so soon
I hate the way moon leers at me
Trees understand they drop their leaves
And swallows flee from underneath the eaves
T'was this time I said goodbye to you
You closed your eyes and breathed no more
Oh my darling you were my all
And rain like sad tears did fall
And so my life is where sadness rules
What a hole is left in my heart
Do you watch me from above?
Do you see it's still you I love?
You are still here all around me now
Children grow apace you'd be so proud
I grow so old without you
Please dear, do read this billet doux
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/walk-landscape-trees-sun-sky-man-445272/
Didn't need an alarm this bright morning
As birds chatter and quarrel in the trees
Peek out the curtain, no sign of a breeze
Rained last week but the bright sun's now shining
Clouds high in sky, and moon grins like a cheese
Slowly fades from sight now brought to its knees
A grunt beside me, at last wife's waking
I go to the kitchen, jug and cups await
Dog at the door, his tail wags at a rate
He dashes round garden, jug's now singing
Now back in the bedroom your eyes I see
You say "the tea can wait" beckoning me
We both wake up with the dog barking
I stagger to garden door to let him in
Quiet day at home is what I'm thinking
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/coffee-cup-mug-bedroom-morning-690349/
It's almost eight years
Since you went away
I still feel you're here
But no words do you say
It's lonely in bed
There's room for you still
But your side's untouched
For your place is not filled
Family's all close
Grandchildren grow up
Laela does ballet
Oh how they develop!
Christmas is coming
It's the same each year
You're ever in our minds
We still love you my dear
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/decorating-christmas-tree-santa-woman-2999718/
I stroked her hair as she closed her eyes
Then put her big story book away
How easy to love my granddaughter
When with fairy tales or dolls I play
I feast my eyes on her as she sleeps
Then return to daughters dining room
More juice? Son in law now says to me
Waving bottle in hand; I say nay
She's little now but the day will come
When no doubt more wrinkled I shall be
When with luck she'll want to play with us
Plates cleared for games like Cheat or Rummy
Image found at http://scottishbooktrust.com/
Thank you kids for being close over the years
So happy all lived in the same state as us
So together times of laughter, times of tears
Weddings, birthdays and holidays with no fuss
One year we flew to Tasmania for Christmas
What laughter we had in our summer time
No snow, just sunshine, bush walks and wines of class
The pile of presents sky high it was sublime
Then there was our autumn Murray River cruise
We each took turns steering vessel on its way
Keep the boat starboard or may get some abuse
Then find a spot to tie up for the night's stay
So we do as all families ought to do
Being loved, being close, laughing away
A family that's happy does stick like glue
The best there is, thanks kids you are all OK
Image found at http://www.murrayriver.com.au/unforgettable-houseboats-939/unforgettable-3/
I close my eyes, I am getting old
What should I pray for, why be so bold?
I have children and they have theirs
I wonder if they say their prayers?
I'm thankful for my ripe old age
I read, I write, so turn the page
I laugh a lot for life's so much fun
I've never been faced with a gun
Most people I've met I have loved
(But not as a kid when pushed and shoved)
I also noticed others eyes
Easy then to tell truth from lies
I want for nothing, that is the truth
Wish luck to Martin, Robyn and Ruth
And my grandkids for they are the best
As they live their lives both east and west
I'd love to meet my wife again
To be together without all her pain
I like to think she went ahead of me
To speak for me like an attorney
I would like to meet my dogs as well
They were much fun despite the smell
Many old friends too I'd like to meet
Through them all life has been so sweet
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/church-praying-prayer-cathedral-768613/
I sit by your bedside, you are fast asleep, but I still talk to you whilst holding your hand. You have been in a coma for a few days but I still visit you everyday just in case. I tell you what flowers are out in the garden, and how the fruit is growing on the apricot tree. The nurse then comes in to check your temperature and says "You have been in most of the day, why don't you go home and have a break?" So I do and find it is late afternoon so I drive back home to get a bite to eat. I throw something together and am just finishing it when the phone rings. It is the hospital, the nurse from the ward says, "I am so sorry. Your wife died just few minutes ago. Please do not rush back, there is no hurry". I thank her and tidy up, ring the children and then drive back slowly to the hospital as the street lights come on.
The sun has now set
The clouds drift into darkness
I kiss you goodbye
Image found at https://www.shutterstock.com
