Poem :: Breathe

Breathe deeply
Forever rain wrecked 
Head down, body drenched
In a pit - a woeful wretch

Breathe deeply 
Enormous mountain 
Faraway heaven
Depressed oppression 

Breathe deeply
Soul in deep despair 
Atrocious affair 
Gasped desperate air 

Breathe deeply
Light in the tunnel 
Onto tracks...tumbled
Empty words fumbled
 
Breathe deeply 
Bright blinding white light
Lost shadowless fight
A true sorry sight 

Breathe deeply
Legs there no longer 
Mourned past pain - lingered
Child moved by stranger

Breathe deeply
Muddled clarity 
Tears in unity
Grave calamity 

Breathe breathe breathe
Rainbow to appear
Wipe the flowing tears
Stand against all fears

Poem :: Unglazed Memories

Once upon a time, when you weren't shrouded in haze 
'Twas long before the forests were set ablaze 
Snippets of warm forgotten days
Shared with my beloved of my birth place 

Where children gathered after meals
Unconventional games on football field 
Nameless familiar faces seeked thrill
All differences in identities were peeled 

Where Monopoly dice rolled for weeks
Bankrupted were loaned money -interest free
On the bitumen, badminton chalk-lined courts drawn 
Faded flip flops challenged to stay on 

Where thicket exploration was a religious rite
Risk of monkeys, and snakes bites 
The local Jungle Boy was immune
His well trodden paths roughly hewn 

Where fighting spiders with heroic names 
Metallic colours were how they came 
Kept in lairs of matchboxes 
The champion announced on the soapboxes

Where six legs rode a lone bike so slow
Snaked on either side to swallow us whole
A pair of wide open drains 
Bike frame creaked with fear from strain 

Where kites conjured from coconut leaflets and mahjong paper
Freely danced and capered 
Flown upon dead end streets
Beside the rubbish and compost heap

Where chasey orchestrated with extra challenge
Our bodies were hung on balance 
Over the first floor balustrade
The victor washed in accolade 

Where gecko eggs were inspected
Wobbly shadows projected 
Under the stairs in candle light 
Possible of hatchlings excite 

Where Ting Ting man's bell 
Sounded for the sweets and snacks he sells 
The children excitedly run to the gate
Peered into his specially made crate 

Where ais potong dripped 
Onto the dry ground the sweetness seeped 
Corn, durian and red bean
Quickly devoured before being seen 

Yearned for these innocent years
When you were bright and clear 
I stare fondly upon thee afar 
Where you stayed as you are

Poem :: Bicycle

Bright red BMX
First prize at dog show
Journeys on dirt tracks
Wind in hair bestowed

Chased by mad brown dog
Bitten on right leg
Popped tetanus shot
Needle o so big! 

Unfazed by ordeal
Freedom continued 
Rat sneakily steal
Absent of tributes

Police recovered
It was not the same 
Love rediscovered
Reignite the flame 

Free to paint my dreams
Spirit once reborn 
Two-wheeled's great esteem 
Ride forth, on and on

Poem :: Monsoon

A certain feel and scent in the air
Showered with this love affair 
Of hot earth and monsoon rain 
All this waiting is not in vain

Cross legged on the concrete floor
Screened by absent double glass doors
Waves descend down in piles 
Flood the sea of blue mosaic tiles 

Armed with paper and origami hands
Shipwrights are made on demand
White beauties slowly spawned
Begins the race to the koi pond 

This joyous season is catalogued 
With chorus of banded bull frogs 
Power outage adorned with candles 
Night filled with ghastly ghost tales

Poem :: The Fawn

Canvas shoes drew curves freehand
Like a crab's random sketches on the sand 

First bus to school filled with uncertainty 
Shaking like a leaf inadvertently

Approached our house with a warm rumble
Sky blue bus driven by a bald uncle 

Hand tally counter clicked as I alighted
A beautiful fawn was sighted

A gentle face with large brown eyes 
Dimpled smile emphasised 

Her name was Madeleine 
The tower with a beacon of light 

Her delicate hand gesture 
Its worth? A priceless treasure

Poem :: Yee Por Por

Our love for her is insurmountable 
Her sincerity rescued those troubled

Like a shepherdess with her sheep
She cared for them indeed

Her empty pockets were threadbare
Generous laughter with richness to spare 

Anticipated the nights we'd visit her house
The opposite side of the town to ours

By the tin mine lake with plentiful of children
Lotus flowers bloom in her water garden 

After dinner, our bronze Ford hummed slowly
Towards our destination in MTD

Through the heart, turn right
Cross the creek, switch on the light

As the wheels danced and swayed across the sandy grains
We shook off our troubles and pains 

Hide and seek crickets twittering 
Amphibians played melodies accompanying

The winds weaved through the pampas grass 
Martins and bugs twirl in tempo upon mirrored glass

Opened windows cleared for enhanced sensory
Locally made heong peng's scent blown in, creating memories

Crispy crust with smattering of sesame seeds 
Caramelised coconut still hot, gooey and so sweet

When one is found in London or perhaps Melbourne
Its taste, smell or form brings her back to me

Poem :: Brownie of Malta

Brownie, the pincher whose eyes were wide
Sparkled in the summer light so bright.
His coat shimmered, reflecting his name
Unimaginative, his owners were to be blamed

A violent little fella desperate to bite 
His leash stretched out thin tight
Leaped and lunged, the line knotted 
Garrotted as strangers were spotted

Poem :: Fresh

The truck honked as it weaved through the narrow streets
Tumbledown Baroque architecture adorned with marguerites 
Grew with anticipation in hope the treasures it brings
Infused with sweetness of blossoms in Spring 

Freshly baked bread performed a waltz
The scent encapsulated in muslin cloth 
Through the doorknob's nostril, the bassoon sounded
Like misshapen pearls, each loaf is preciously bundled

Poem :: A Tribute to Degas

Watched closely from afar
Through windows of canvases held ajar
His life's journey recalled
Linearly along these white walls

The choice as an artist was absolute
Resignation to be in solitude
Paint strokes mark the slow drip of time
Its scent and texture so sublime

Ballet danseuse in blurry blue
Graceful movements in tulle
Glissade across the dance floor
Choreographed along our gallery floor

Over the bath a woman bends
Warm water weaved through her dark mane
A glimpse of this private ritual
Obsessed observation of this individual

By the end, he is without his sight
Being an artist is his birthright
Caress wax into figures reminiscent of his paintings
Into darkness his love is waiting

Poem :: A Pat

Solitary imperfect round form falls on an unfamiliar field

Someone's heart knows forth of how it feels 

But as the stench cries out for love of thee

Backs turn away from its desperate plea

Alas! A dainty yellow flower peeks from its side

Hold thy whole self up with pride 

The flower's outstretched hand nourishes 

Positive thoughts encouraged with bouquets to flourish 

Poem :: Emus

Two yacca grass trees on four knobbly legs

The necks swivelled 'round like  periscope sticks 

Lazily stroll across the arid plains

Land of plentiful lays straight ahead

Watch out! Over the crest appeared our car

Blinding sunset over dashboard, we jolted our hearts

The grass trees carelessly loped

Legs criss-crossed on the red dusty slope

Bundled themselves out of harms way

Narrowly survived for another day 

The predators keep keen watch

Salivating for this meal to lay on their front porch

Remember :: Greece

In Santorini the donkey hat waved for my attention 
The day was as vivid as Dr Seus' imagination 
One red dog floating lightly in the blue sky 
Blue windows and doors emerged from walls so white 
Black and white oval pebbles rise and fall on the deep undulating steps 
A cream dog danced on the black volcanic beach so free 
Orange ball sunk slowly into the deep blue sea 

The donkey never chose to be worked until it breaks 
A mockery of all things equally made
As dawn comes, the harness pulled so tight
Calluses from brick baskets piled mountain high
Whip cracked on its back as it paused to breathe 
Tourists bum cracks sway side to side on their steed 
Their load laden with moussaka and ouzo greed
Repetitive trips borne until dusk dipped

Disembarked the ferry on the shores of Naxos 
Octopus beckoned us to come across
Hung to air dry on the line so taut 
Danced in the salty breeze freshly caught 
Like shredded brown flags infused in salt spray, they flapped
White sand lightly exfoliating my back 
Hot, I pulled the donkey hat down by the straps 

Sitting on the cosy dining room corner bench 
Friendly atmosphere slightly tense 
Plastic lined table with floral cotton skin
The wrinkled lady watched with a sly grin 
The fire water with colour of gin
Kept in a partly crumpled bottle
As we downed the tumblers, full throttle 
The sweetness burned as it trickle slowly down into the soul 

We spoke no Greek while Anna spoke no English
She was kind and gave us a dish
Of rice wrapped with cabbage
Her heart enclosed in each package
Our hand gestures spoke millions 
The eyes darted here there to listen
As donkey hat awaited for Anna's daughter to return
The warm sun beyond the room it yearned 

Breakfast of honey drizzled on Greek yoghurt
Served by a man with one leg that was hurt 
He limped out from a cafe - one of three
The donkey hat shaded my glee 
As September was blissful without blemishes on the white sand 
Our footsteps' paths drawn in freehand 
But the kittens that emerged from the Portara 
Their paths unknown in the impending air so polar

The restless refocused their lives with Santorini sunsets
These scenes only available for the blessed 
Athens populated with those similar to their donkeys' lives
Never-ending work where tourists thrive
Acropolis is a jumble of unloved mess
Artefacts scattered worthlessly, laid to rest
Millions of pieces looted by the British
Their long awaited return to Tschumi's museum on their wish list

Monty Python gait with pom poms upon their toes
The unknown soldier killed by his foes
Gave his life in exchange for our freedom
For us to build a peaceful kingdom 
When the light I lit dwindled away 
I light another one for him again
Every moment, time is taken to reflect
The donkey hat lowered and bowed with respect

Pythia, the Oracle in Delphi 
Menu of rabbit with butter beans and salad of cheese 
Appeared in my snowy dreamlike trip
She predicted our long relationship 
The donkey hat has stayed by my side
It emerges when the sun shines so bright
It too is like a jewel of a friend 
It takes care of me until the very end

Remember :: Budapest

The children and I walked our streets
In search for our perfect Christmas tree
"Please give me a home." whispered a fallen branch
Thankful, he could come home with us before lunch

Prepared his seat in the living room corner
The family naturally gathered together  
As a blanket was laid upon his cold feet 
Flashbacks of white snow falling the Budapest streets 

Songs of Magyar Népmesék soothed my mind
Bronze bauble with the letter R inscribed
Suspended together with the other treasures
Each held a personal tale of how they came to be here

Our first stood on the glass bridge in a trance
Mesmerised by pendulums of 4 and 6 trams
He too fell in love with her unconditionally
Art nouveau oozed onto tracks romantically 

Beautiful architecture veiled deeper psychological scars
Intricate details hidden like a nightjar
Zoo animals paced to and fro in concerto 
Abnormally up close and personal with these fellows  

National Museum documented their sad history
The people strengthened from their miseries
Flakes of paprika snow fell like tears 
Their hope proved they are the right heirs 

Slowly undressed, our warm breath fogged the windows further
Dark shapes danced like fire together 
Streetlights outside made stars on the wet glass
Towards the night sky, pools' steam rose pass

Spouts of therapeutic fountains revived the wearied
Wise men moved the pieces with fingers so wrinkly
Chess boards floated like magic carpet 
Spinning in circles encapsulated in a small bucket

The Little Princess gazed over River Danube
Faux golden crown with mantle bejewelled
Her father sculptured her with love and care 
Captured her innocence that lingered there 

Serenade of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
How have we come so far?
Away from our families on this day 
We have chosen to be this way

Every year as we walk our streets before Christmas 
Fond memories recalled of this place first
Where cobbled streets hold torn stories
Together we overcame our crisis 

Remember :: Norway

African drum's stretched skin reverberated 
Joyous colourful dances paraded
Ravenna mosaics are fashioned
Where Nobel Peace Prize is presented

Vigeland sculptures whose mouths spoke silently 
Frozen emotions of humanity
Animated into life as we slumber
If our hands touched, we, might waver 

Here, the summer sun warms the blue skies
Green seas of pastures energise 
Cattle scattered hither thither
White-throated dipper twitter 

Trains carve oxidised lines on steep green canvas 
Seasonal waterfalls smooth wrinkles on crevices 
Wild strawberries as sweet as sherbet 
Awaken the tastebuds as they burst 
 
The calves guarded these treasures viciously 
Through the pine forest we dash quickly
Duck and dodge through segmented eye skewers
The herd chased and drove us to the river

Slid down slippery side of the impossible bank 
Sigh of relief rose and sank
Legs turned jelly when hoof prints were apparent 
Headlines flashed wild - "Survived 7/7 only to be stampeded"

Pledged our descendants with beef Fridays 
A commemoration of surviving on this day 
Resounding no to boiled lambs heads
Like The Scream by Munch, empty stare of death

Cycled nonchalantly with adventitious call 
Barricaded by a movable wall
As afraid as the herd's widened gaze
Keep our paused hearts in place 

Toes frozen snap in Fjordland's melting stream
Baby-like gurgling in a dream 
Sat on a rock rubbed flat by retreating glacier
Shared by weary travellers with grateful tears

As the boat approached Bergen's earthy colours by the harbour
Red timbered huts topped with green roofs are favoured  
Like a bride's hair on her wedding day
With flowers adorned brightly in her green hair 

Remember :: Morocco

Adhan permeated the red dusty air 
Marrakech maze-like foreboding lair 
Every wall reaching out for God's trees
Seasoned doors cloak mysterious narratives 

Street as wide as trio of donkeys
Snaked their way into veiled parties 
Latticed souks cast sun dappled faces
Recall paths or lose all traces 

Met Muhammad, who emulated calm 
Ran a herb shop with brimful of charm
The scent infused a dizzying dose 
Shared mint tea in a squat stool pose 

Chameleon perched on lapis lazuli heaped bowl
Our meeting made my spirit grow
His name, Michael Jackson, we were told 
His host did not seek his wares to be sold

Chicken feathers floated slowly still 
My eyes watered from the ticklish spill 
Clucking echoes silenced in a butcher's hold 
Blood drips down to the filled potholes

Sit idly observing from the balcony
Down to Djemas-El-Fnaa hived with the colony 
Lamb tagine, almonds and prunes 
Colour, energy, vibrancy festooned 

The square animated with busyness 
Letters typed under the shady trees
Knife sharpeners with their stone wheel bikes
Handmade goods creaked the steel framed trikes 
 
Tricksters corralled fools into tanneries 
Dominique advised to avoid being casualties 
Some experiences are worthwhile 
But some just causes the bile to rile 

Through the maze we were led by a guide
A lone torch danced with gaiety and plight 
Minotaur horns layered darkened patterns 
The centre, a black laced gate flanked by silver lanterns 

Women greeted us at the end 
Who poured warm water onto our hands
Twelve hour veal in communal oven 
Orange blossom infused almond 

Milk sprinkled with cinnamon
Small pretty dishes bequeath love in bosom 

Remember :: South Africa

Sabi Sabi's dawn air crisp and fresh 

Goosebumps form upon my flesh 
Jeep kicks up dust behind its tail
Peach painted sky for a safari tale

Front left, tracker Mike perched
Like a meerkat he observed
A slight shadow in the horizon 
Becomes an anticipated exclamation 

The rule cast in the minds down deep
Forbidden to stand on the jeep
The thought of being prey
Made the soul fray 
 
Across the dashboard the rifle straddled
A mere prop as it rattled 
As the knobbly wheels turned
My love for life churned 

Hiding behind my camera
A world framed so clear
The chance may not be repeated I fear
Silenced shutters breathe these moments so dear 

Elephants' eyelashes snapped memories 
Muybridge's frames tell beautiful stories 
Immeasurable size unnoticed with their grace 
The herd reassured peace with their embrace 

Juvenile male flapped and charged 
By a trunk length he appeared large
The jeep sprang into life to admit defeat
My heart thumped out of its cavity

Buffaloes jaws sway tick tock 
Facial attention from ox pecker flock
Swish their tails in metronome's sway
Feathered friends whisper riddles in their ears all day 

Warthog family with flagpole tails
Front knees erect without fail
Wave their allegiance to the land  
March with gregarious Cape starling band 

Paw prints led us to a silent hush
Weaved through the bushes in a rush
Eyeless needles endless collide
Perseverance gifted us the pride 

The rule broken with the giraffes
Our silent walk on the long long grass
Our thoughts begin to roam
Keen eyes watching, not our own

So small, so blessed
So alive, so in love 

Remember :: Croatia

Aboard the train in Zagreb 
The gypsies' pungent pong grabbed
Our throats as we succumb 
To imagined floods of dread.
Bragging their bags of plunder 
All eye contact surrendered 
In fear we'd be surrounded 

Compartment barricaded 
Worn vinyl seats squeaked and squealed 
Cracked dusty windows rattled
Their sulphuric stench linger 
Not oblivious to danger 

Knock. Knock. "Passport!" he screamed 
In the midst of our swaying dreams 
He appeared with a black briefcase
His facial features were blurred
His existence we only heard?
Our memories remained concussed 
But in the passport stamps we trust

Screeched to a halt into Split
A curly female louse spat
"Zimmer frei" and blocked the exit.
"No thank you" was repeatedly.
Before her hooked pincers closed
DEET was sprayed in deadly dose

When the dawn's verbal storm cleared
We found ourselves asleep
Soundly on white fluffy sheets.
Deafening church bells next door
Burst right through the window panes 
Weaved lullabies into dreams

In slumber we remembered 
Curious children drawn like magnets
Toward oriental Piped Piper.
Accustomed to Germanic invasions
Who lay beached dotted in their vision 

Along Dalmatia's black and white rock faces
Bus driver gambled our lives in a frightening pace
The cross adorned on the window flashed in his face 
As he zig-zagged in the barrier-less race
Prayed negotiation success on his mobile with the Pope

Dubrovnik's pock marked walls
Told silent stories of those who fell
Contrast with the old man in black
Licking his ice cream as the pigeons pecked
Crumbs between peaceful cobbled cracks

Steps of Church of Saint Blaise we sat 
Time passed as we people watched
"12 o'clock" I whispered
Someone watching us too we feared.
In realisation of the glare of a scarecrow in gear
In stitches we endured and teared

Poem :: Nomadic Bumblebee

Bumblebee taking flight in reserved hum 
Beige backpack, a third of his weight and then some 
Sweet nectar wafts with new tastes and sounds
Waiting patiently to be found 

Worn dog-eared map lead the way
Chances taken on places to stay
Touts persistently kept at bay
Without plans or schedules is the way

Attempts to communicate in languages other his own
Phrase book, gestures, intonations cloned
Untamed proboscis eager to taste
Heart and mind wide open in haste

He may be forever nomadic in life 
One day he will return to the hive

Poem :: Currawong

Flock of gentlemen gathered in the evening 
Jet black tailcoats with handsome top hats matching 
Theatrical theme at eucalyptus trees
Scent of strong therapeutic oil blown in the breeze 

Amongst the foliage they engaged in hide and seek 
Flittered flirted in red sunlight filtered by leaves
Expose flashes of white starched shirts with cuff-linked sleeves

Leap and lope with liveliness in parodic plays 
Penned by these satirists as they laugh through the day 
Shiny gold coin eyes in deep rooted conversations
Lets collaborate in their contemplation
Eavesdrop to decipher their palaver

Quwaa. Quwaaoo. Quwaa. Quwaaio. 

Poem :: Boots

Brown laced-up boots scuffed with life lived laden with stories
Excited as they dance not in sync with morning-glories
Inside, toes wriggling ready for adventures
Presence compensate masked silent words and pictures 

Without care or responsibility of the other, life ponders 
To go to wherever the wind blows
And may return when and if the desert snows
Stay until love for the unacquainted grows
Whereby with eyes closed, sound and scent complete the puzzles
 
For years the index finger traced dusty new maps
Travel opportunity arrived and seized with giant steps
The boots walk now on the dust trails left by that finger
Priceless God's gifts beckon them to linger 

Poem :: Not The Last Farewell

Now it is time as limbs turn to black
Nurse confirmed there's no turning back
Your fight with your own fading light 
We hold the love with all our might 

The year was indigestible 
Our grief discernible 
The cancerous cells multiplied 
with great speed. Our hope pacified

No words could scribe your grievances 
Untimely final breath advances  
We fear for you, your personal death 
As you tightly hold to each warm breath

Good bye would not leave from these lips 
For fear of disturbing the night thieves
May we meet in the next life or when
I hope to see you later then

Poem :: Snow

Adorned in gear from head to toe
At the rental shop all can be seen was cold
Blue sky greeted hello that morning
Snow clouds were already forming 

Heavy boots gravitated toward the timber floor 
Another novice earmarked to be sore 
Its scars stored stories of adventures
Depicted somewhat in songs and pictures

Large window beckoned towards his way
26 years I have waited for today 
Upon closer inspection, a pair came down together!
Another one! Followed by another!

Like a robot equipped with new stiff pegs
Click clacked the overly large body down the wet steps 
Eyes wide like two oversized glass marble specimen
Unblinking in awe of the phenomenon

One landed softly on the eyelashes
Another melted as soon as it touched the inhabitable hand 
Frozen tongue stuck out, surprisingly bland

Someone switched a button on my back
Sprung up and down like a maniac
Bormio populated with snow angels so heavenly
Their missing eyes stare back at the heavens quietly

Paused until the last panettone crumb was finished
Then in droves they came famished 
For days they were cooped 
Until every last bite was scooped 

Long caterpillars gracefully glide 
Unashamedly I screamed down the slide
Like a runaway bowling ball 
Came crashing down and stalled

Skis crossed like uncoordinated chopsticks 
Were they not automatically fitted with brakes?
Plain white pages filled with scribbles
Carved with one or two lines and stumbles 

Every morning at breakfast ritually
The lady shouted affectionately  
In hope the volume compensated understanding
If our brains were echoing

I miss her when I remember 
Its short wonderful life I ponder 
At times so wild and tame 
It is as pure as my name 

Poem :: Three Times A Day

Eat time not play time
Is that helpful? Fine!
Stop gesticulating 
Please no complaining
Should I count?

Five
Stop it! Focus! It will spill
Your mouth is too full
Stop winding each other up
Two hands on the cup
Cutlery please
 
Four
Stop making mess
Is this a test?
I will take it away
Fingers away 
Cutlery please

Three
Fork for vegetables will be nice
Spoon for rice
Knife is for cutting 
Food is not for playing
Cutlery please

Two 
Don't lick the knife 
Watch out for the rice
Lean forward
Two cutlery at a time will be awkward
Cutlery please

One
Stop picking
Stop staring
Eat properly
Stop being silly 
Cutlery please

Are you full?
Thomas! Ella Mae!
Plate closer
Look at the state of the floor
Well done 

Poem :: Heatwave

Drip. Drip. Drip drip drip
43 degree heat too much to bear
Birds' dry beaks wide open with blank death stare
Three days relentless blast of roasted air
Drowning. Is there relief anywhere?

Drip. Drip. Drip drip drip
Flies dizzy whizzing round helter skelter 
Frantically in search of some water
These winged torpedoes become nuisances
Limp scarecrow swats in a storm incites riddance  

Drip. Drip. Drip drip drip
Salt lines train slowly down the cracked surface 
Soaking wet in this hot desolate furnace
Heat haze girdling to a point of absurd
Dried worm left by a thirsty heat stroked bird 

Drip. Drip. Drip drip drip
Lick cracked lips taste bitterly sweet
Cone three stories high is quite a feat
Billabong mirages appear hither
Disheartened when they sink into nether 

Drip. Drip. Drip drip drip
Strip. Strip. Strip strip strip 
Sticky second skin eagerly rip
Stark naked star on fire
Summer heat I fail to desire 

Poem :: Wasp

The lone wasp severely stares
Unaware to feign ignorance
The prey awaits his damnation
The predator in preparation 

Licks his mandibles deliciously
Compound eyes pause watching curiously 
Wings' vibrations are furious
His intention verifiably dubious

Pounces
Lunges
Maims 
Kills

One crushed dead
Gorges until bloated
At an incredible speed
He gloats of his greed

Care less for vegetarians 
Quite a malleable sectarian 
When his religion is confronted
All claws are drawn 

Rapid fire complex communication
At times purely for satisfaction 
Strenuous for others' to speak
Threats become his red steaks 

Elaborate hierarchy in his society
Best to learn this quickly
Those who do not conform 
Devoured in a violent storm 

Nobody wants to be like him 
Not that anyone wish to be
I became one and I screamed 
And I will never break free

Poem :: Peas

Thoughts unshielded by cloth so sheer
The image of you becomes clear
Dimpled smile that is just so fair
Your long swishy tied-back black hair

Mesmerised by old memories
Hypnotised by swirling journeys 
Stoned blind on psychedelic drugs
But forgiven for being smug

Were at age of innocence
Back then we had a whole lot sense
Two different lone peas in a pod
"Friends? It's impossible!" they thought

Talked 'til our throats were burning
Shared stories 'til sides were stinging
Samurai hair brushes your face
What?! Who cares if different in race?

Our then clock ticked to an end
The seconds hand froze to a stand  
Never thought I would go away
You only had the choice to stay

Letters became a sad dribble
New lives made the closeness feeble  
The peas' existence just vanished 
Like sinners they were too banished 

Luck gently swayed to their side
The rustling winds knew and they blew
The two still very different peas
Bounced together, apart by sea

Gaps in my memories are filled 
Though not all sweet whispers are spilled 
Time is kind to now find and bind
These two peas are one of a kind 

Poem :: Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of gentlemen 
Until I met this beast who proclaimed he was one

Brown greasy coat merged into the beard with
Two streaks of white extend his crooked teeth
One claw held a cold soggy peach 
The other, a chalk hung like cigarette 
Amongst Bunsen burners and pipettes
He believed all was harmless jest

A tiny speck of respect vanished
As the joke was told
"Untie the Boongs loose to run amok 
Armed with pitiful blunted forks
At the school's pocked marked grounds
Arrows shoot them down 
They can cower behind the old pine tree"
I no longer take chemistry 

Poem :: Panoptes

Panoptes' eyes watching 
Lounge room window pausing 
Eyes darting for bicycled man's 
Random staccato movements 
Stuttering across the pane 
So much so the eyes strained

Previously he was seen 
Armed with a bat and scream 
Swung wild at a swooping 
Bird whose nest it was protecting
He was an angry purple 
Octopus spewed blue rumble

That day Panoptes laughed 
But not today, not today

The bicycled man borne
His future disguised in 
A brown A3 envelope 
Could time change the future?
Panoptes pondered but
Knew there was just no hope

Mathematics was a bore 
Shuddered cold to the core 
He stood there uninspiring
Mumble monotonously
Numbers and symbols 
The exam was a jumble 

Geography was terrible
Mentally unstable 
His father died recently
"Turn to page thirty three"
Hid behind the desk to mourn
Panoptes' heart was torn 

English was uninspiring
Found it soulfully tiring
As words were merely a jest
Mrs. Bristow was his best
But she went over the crest
Alone he was left 

Biology fell under duress
Shame! It made him depressed
It was his favourite
Just like maple syrup
A good teacher is the criterion
For a firm foundation  

Arts was his only hope
She extended his scope
Sfumato Cinquecento
Chiaroscuro Fresco
She showed him the world 
As an obtainable pearl 

He jumped at the sight of him
Bid adieu and closed the door 
Grabbed his future and clawed
To the o-Bahn tracks and 
He knew not the end
destination nor place to hide

Found solace in Museum 
Studied by glassed specimens
Their warm affinity
Held him closely
Offered gracious respite 
Away from his cruel life 

Alas, bravely in solitude
He braced his attitude
As Summer sun dazzled
His optics zapped and sizzled
When once they became sound
Climbed on a green lawn mound

Panopticon at work
Sketches of trees and quirks
The future could be paused 
Shadows metamorphosed 
Crawled creepily across 
Time temporary at loss

As paper ripped sutures
Severed went his future 
He cried faintly alone 
A whole year he bemoaned
By home time it was late
Father thought he was dead

Poem :: Belong

Ching Chong
Here is not where you belong 
Go back to where you come from 

Nip
This is not your country
How can you see Slanty?

Dim sim
Return with your boat
Pray to your Gods it floats 

Chink
Go out with your own kind
Another Ching Chong you find

Poem :: Migrate

Clouds parted abandoning place
Give the back of my hand a wave
Treasured memories keeping pace

Pupils dilate for new home land
Ears pricked to gather where we stand
Tails wagging with anticipation
Abundance with excitement and trepidation

Slow tentative infant steps 
Floating bubbles wobble 
Sway quivering stumble
The smooth road someone stole
Little by little, no hand to hold 

Endless sea of flat land
Straightened squid ink fettuccini strands
Small buildings finely grated 
Over-blanched broccoli sparsely spread
Against blue sky scattered white bread

But what is a hammer without its handle
Struggled to put food on the table
Did not expect it to reach this state
Absent thoughts to be ever served from a golden plate

Sacrifices made were obvious
Prayed children were oblivious
Confidence hit rock bottom
The insults you cannot fathom

Children's role is to study
Stress radars detect peaks steadily
Uniforms two sizes too big
Starved Batman dressed in loose drape
One of many ways to scrimp and save

Roof over heads with mortgage up to the neck
Six mouths to feed with one broken back
Each bowl left with no spare crumb 
Neither be defeated nor succumb 

Dachshunds and dobermans are long gone
Provided with new homes but one
He died from a broken lonely heart
Best In Show cups refused to depart

Too hot too cold Junction Market
Hold empty shopping baskets
Nothing sold all weekend
Brickworks' another tortuous place held by a strand
Three months of profit is less than a grand 

Perseverance creates hope
We can finally cope
Spider web mended in patches
In the end it still catches
Fond memories of new and old
Multiply forever in tenfold

Poem :: Autumn

Heart flutters at the thought of your return
Crescendo anticipated desire burns
Warm air begins to change and turn 

Trees slowly doze and soothe
Yellow red brown leaves loop swoop underfoot 
Animals squirrel away their loot

All year long energies gradually diminish
Silver moon aglow helps to replenish
Hibernation for some is a fetish 

Caramelised almonds drown the cold air 
This thought too much for taste buds to bear
Storytelling old tales starts on the rocking chair 

Relaxed shoulders become swollen 
Gathered scarfs and hats woollen 
Misunderstandings are forgiven

Conkers kiss by songs of circle
Strum taut strings as fire singe 
Music foraging reduced to binge 

Autumn harvest pumpkins abound
Hearty and comforting food surround
Reasons to love and live are found

Poem :: Shrimpy

Hello dear friend 
From a red tub
Mud clear tail end 
Size of a grub

BG Aunty
Sat by the tap
Is not crazy
Heads off quick snap  

This one's alive
Blinked right at me
Need to survive
Take him! It's free

Run home next door
For my Shrimpy
One pair of claws
Hold me tightly

Tickle pebbles
Graceful marches
Hide and seek games
Appear the same 

River fish food
Brave the leeches
Careful you fool
Scary creatures 

Please be my muse 
Just don't refuse
Keep me at ease
My dear friend please 

Poem :: One Fine Day

One fine day
You decide to stay 
By my side for a play

One fine day
You keep me warm
Cloak me from becoming forlorn 

One fine day
You give me light
Guide my soul to a place so bright

One fine day
You hold my hand
Lead me along the golden sand

One fine day
You sing a song
Keep faith that I belong 

One fine day
You whisper kind words
Transport my fate to better world

One fine day
You morph as my seat
When I expect it the least 

One fine day
I return the favour
Of you being my saviour 

Poem :: Stillness

Floating on the River Murray
The warmest light gradually dimmed
Stillness begins settling its way

Feathered wings rest in their place
Roosting upon outstretched arms
Camouflaged in dark embrace

Deafening silence is thunderous
Broken by mirrored heartbeats 
Lovers filled with promises 

Quiet winged ballerinas dressed in black
Dance like shadow puppets in great distress
Comforted by light peeking through the cracks

Happiness is peaceful silent stillness
Of its black mirrored mercury surface
Brings slightly curving burgundy red lips

Poem :: Second

Water gushed onto the timber floor

Four minutes apart! Quick out the door!
Indeed Mickey the cat is confused 
Past midnight Dave drives, no time to lose
Milk float blocks path, refuses to move
Hey! Time to arrive. Who needs to prove?

Giant black cat eyes keep watch at bay 
Whittington's ceiling paint peels away
Filled full of gas and air in the head
Consciousness numbed, not to be afraid 
Adrenaline to accelerate
Your presence I so anticipate

Purring voices repeat loud to soft
Swaddled tightly wrapped in cotton cloth
Take deep breaths, warm love is here to stay
Elation takes place, feels blessed today

 

Poem :: First

Long short stroll along Shepherds Walk

Night sky drizzled echoing throbs
A fox startled and scaled the wall
Returning to its offspring's call

Bags packed with mine and tiny clothes 
Are neither pink or blue just true
Hours passed as the time is near
For us to be together here

80's music blaring afar
Is this going to leave a scar?
I can feel you, I can hear too
Nine months came and now I am blue
For us to meet your face is due

Alas your Daddy places you 
Upon my warm and naked skin
Tiny heartbeats bring purely bliss 
My being starts to be at ease

Wrinkles on my mind ironed out
By sweet smell, occasional pouts
Long ago's anger, despair, pain 
Transported to another plane