The market square

Charlie's colt still pulled pulled his colorful cart covered with crockery and other collectibles to the market square. There was a cacphony of noise as he came closer to the site. He drew up in his allocated spot; caressed the ears of the colt, fastened its reins to a column then unloaded the goods."Quick as you can" he said to himself wiping the coal dust from some of the items as that was another part time job he had trying to make ends meet. Already prepared he started calling customers to the stall telling them what bargains they could find. Everybody was different; some coveted jewellry others cotton goods. He always had something that customers would covet. The day went well; Charlie didn't have a watch but he looked up at the Sun to judge what time it was. It was starting to set now and a corona circled it and made it look larger. "Good", Charlie murmured to himself, "The wife with be happy with me tonight as she can go and buy a present for herself". 



Image found at www.Pixabay.com

Welcome swallows

I used to welcome swallows many years ago
They came visiting finding cooler place to go
We waited for their visit in the early spring
They soared and swooped and dived but really couldn't sing
There must be five different ones in Aussie land
Seen them fly and swoop over edge of coral strand
By ocean checking flotsam floating in the sea
Exploring was like the gates to the best place to be
My wife and I did this quite a lot to unwind
Wanting to explore to see what we could find
Like watching rare birds nesting in cliffs in Devon
Until our bellies told it was time for some food
Bread sandwiches and put kettle on a hot fire
Life was good with hobby which we would never tire 
I often go walking on the beach recalling this
When we forged our union of domestic bliss
I am on my own now for that's the way of life
But will never forget my beautiful wife



Image found at www.pixabay.com

That was unexpected

I sat by the river in the park
Used to come here when but a kid
For I feel a tiny bit sad
As something has now happened
Which has made me feel quite bad
Had a call from cute girl of mine
She said it's over but never mind
It is true what they say to me
There are a lot of fish in the sea
But it hurts I really do care
Was a great lass to have an affair
Yes there are others but not now
So I threw some stones in the creek
Wiping tears that were on my cheek
It is my pride that has been hurt
It's time to find a new piece of skirt



Image found at www.shutterstock.com

About Kathleen

What can I tell you?

About my Kathleen

I loved to touch her hands

How she'd get lost in abook

Her mind elsewhere

Now idea who she was 

It was the same with letter

She'd rush to the mailbox

As though a lover had written

Yet I thought I was him

Just for the records, it's over

Finished, she gone, run off

"Going off to the shops" she said

Must be still there, it's dark now

While I am here sitting alone

Waiting for the phone to ring

Thinking about my life with her

The way that it has all panned out

Love and beauty are transient

They come into your life...then walk out

Although not new I found this poem of mine from a few years back so decided to give it an airing!

Image found at www.shutterstock.com

My dear bride

Wedding music is being played in church
I fiddled with my tie and checked my shoes
I spent last night with friend at local bar
The photographer is here from towns news

I wait right at the front with my bestman
After dusting down to try to look smart
Organ music now welcomes the bride
My darling girl with whom I'll never part

I looked in her eyes and she looked in mine
Soon at reception all guests are dancing
While we sit together as man and wife
Jokers come up to give me a ribbing

I hold her hand and she holds mine as well
I want to kisss her lips another time
The are bright and dancing takes place
Our new lives together will be sublime

The weight of the day is taking its toll
Both our joints ache and we feel bruised inside
Let's leave this dusty place and corny jokes
I need to get to bed with my dear bride



Image found at www.pixabay.com

When all else fails

What on earth do you do when all else fails?
When young went to pub to have some ales
This wears thin if you prefer to drink gin
If musical you can play the violin
But if a friend is close have a long chat
Without a friend best to talk to your cat
If married you have a wife to share it
However she might be cross I admit
But she's your partner to share all concerns
And will help you out with all twists and turns
She married you so in you she can trust
Quite apart from the small matter of lust
Yes you are a formidable couple
Quite apart from the fact that she is supple
Recall your wedding the look in her eyes
She trusts you so you know that she's wise



Image found at www.pixabay.com

A strange land

It is the fourth month we've been in lockdown
Slowly the rules for breath and distance are eased
I sit in cafe by myself alone
A friend joins me as manager condones
Before I would be standing on a cross
Queuing up to get my drink in carton
Only to sit outside with coffee in hand
While thinking to myself what a strange land

For it's worked the virus is in control
But the state's border I still cannot cross
Unless I quarantine for fourteen days
That's OK seeing Covid's nasty ways
They have started playing sport again too
Few fans permitted so stadium looks bare
But my team won last night so I am pleased
It's good to see regulations now eased

So what's the bad you probably ask me
It seems that for weeks so little I've done
Not been to movies, family barely seen
I've got older but nowhere have I been
I've eaten a lot and put on some weight
Feel so much nearer that pearly gate
Winter's now here (though it's Summer for you)
Let's all be careful in future, Toodle-oo!


Image found at www.Pixabay.com

Australian bushfire

I drove up north following the coast road
On the left were ore ships heading for harbor
This was my homeland, sea, barley and mines
The heat of the sun and choking bushfires
Our great homeland of which no Aussie tires

I turned at a junction to cross the hills
A whiff of foul smoke now enters the cab
Somebody's paddock or trees were ablaze
Must be new, local radio's said no words
The grey sky is now full of fleeing birds

I muttered a curse, I'll turn the truck round
Look in mirror and begin to shudder
A few worried words now form on my tongue
Really must be incredibly brave
I hope it doesn't lead to nice warm grave

Paused for a second then did a U-e
And drive back to find some much lower ground
With no trees and paddock devoid of growth
So I am parked close to dried out stream
As soot rains down like impossible dream

At least there's nothing to burn but the dirt
As twigs now fly around without a care
Local radio tells us to vacate area
Too late for me so I'll take my chance here
With reverence I say a quick prayer



Notes: Bush or forest fires are known as wild fires in the US
            A 'U-e" means turning a vehicle around in the road
            Paddock means field or land meant for grazing animals

Image found at www.pixabay.com

Groovy Music

Trad Jazz was favorite when I was a youth

Groovy music with cute girls that sang

Stomped my feet with a beer glass in hand

Ottilie Paterson in Chris Barber's band

At first the venue was on top floor of pub

Crowded right out to enhance the feel

So popular was this Friday gig

They had to move to hall that was really big

I didn't drive at that time, that came later

Me and mate got lift in old Ford van

Dropped us both off after a nine mile trip

Getting home to have a long drunken kip

I survived the booze and the drunken ride

I bought Barber's records now long gone

Grown up and have normal life style

But still dream of my wild youth once in a while

Image found at https://www.chrisbarber.net/band-1957-1957.htm

Bert's new home

Bert sat on his retirement home bed. Everyone said how lucky he was now not having to worry about maintenance anymore and to have support close to hand. Bert thought differently as he was most reluctant to move. "Yet another nail in the coffin" he said to his daughter June. She had merely shaken her head as he stared out the window as other oldies sluggishly pushed their walkers down the footpaths.

She thought of letting her dad stay with her but when she mentioned it to Jim her husband frowned and shook his head as her dad was quite argumentative and interfering. No he would be happier here...she hoped.

Bert now moved from room to room checking them out; "Thirteen seconds" he muttered "And the grand tour is completed." He sat in his favorite chair and picked up the newspaper for the umpteenth time that day and moaned "There must be something else I haven't read". Just as he was thinking of screwing up the paper and throwing it in the bin the bell rang followed by a knock on the door. So he got up opened it and in front of him was a smiling Indian girl.

"Hello Mr. Daly, I am your cleaning lady, we will come to your place each fortnight to do the cleaning. We will come every other Thursday". 

Bert just stared at her, so she lowered her eyes. She then said "My name is Deepal. You do not have to leave when we come, it's up to you". She paused then added with a smile "We  can clean round you".

Bert was still looking at her, he thought she was beautiful and her eyes were kind and discreet. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out, so just nodded.



Illustration found at www.pixabay.com

Hard Times

Our grandmothers and their foremothers too
Had very hard lives but they still pulled through
My wife's grandma's husband fell in the sea
Boarding his boat was not on dock or ship
Navy and harbor they cared not a zip

All this took place a hundred years ago
Wife had seven children what a to do!
They lived by the coast poverty their friend
Kids were farmed out as a hard life she faced
No lessons learned just that she was abased

Sending kids out begging for foods each day
Instead of enjoying their lives in play
So many year granny begged her whole life
Children went to work as soon as able
To help put food on families table

Unfolding their own lives soon as they could
With spirit determined they would make good
Healing their dark past with wisdom and work
No matter what roots of your families line
Your life's your realm, not a puppet on string

Image found at www.pinterest.com

What happened to her?

Best thing I recall about going to school
Was escaping from class and breaking a rule
Even at break times was to find a quiet place
Got my fags out to smoke which was a disgrace

Of course I got caught and got the cane for that
Detention after school for being a brat
So yes I learned quite a lot being at school
Trying to conform and not break every rule

The saddest part was when true love came my way
Tennis with girl in class happily did play
I liked her legs and looks and rest of her too
But was offered a job, so goodbye, boo-hoo!

I often wondered what had happened to her
Some years later saw her but did not confer
We smiled then nodded for a moment or two
We were both married so what more could we do?


Image found at www.shutterstock.com