Safe Ashore

This Old Love, seafaring ship
Of finest wood &
Craftsmanship
Its maiden voyage
Some four years hence
When feral seas drove us West
I've sailed her all around the world
Docked in places ne'er afore found
Secure at anchor, I'd explore
Wonders of the world unfold
Through rocky isles and coral reefs
Its bow has turned me safe to keep
All precious cargo
Fit and well
Squabbling over fine ship's bell
The final storm, the wrecking one
Wind whipped sail and broached hull
She turned us in to sheltered bay
The weight of shore broke her away
We battled through torrential rain
Huddled in the bow all day
Then clear, still morn
Sun did arise
All our crew woke in surprise
Old Love was gone to seabed reef
For seals and manta rays to sleep
We walked ashore and carried on
Mountains climbed, beaches swum
Though many tales I have to tell
Of Old Love's ventures riding swell
A ghost ship now
No one believes
Such vessels are imaginary
I tip my hat, to one who'll come
To sail away into the sun
For tinker, sailor, Captain be
This Old Love was made by me
Skeleton Bay, Bay of Fires Tasmania

Love like

A Blue Gum tree
Giants of the forest, we
Begin well-covered cap of seed
With strength to sprout
Show tender leaf

Idle as the years unseen
Camouflaged by wattle screen
Delicate orchids settle 'tween toes
Fungi covers underclothes

Ten years on, it shoulders weight
Peeping out of covershade
Creamy flowers dripped with leaf
Birds to nest, possums to feast

Straight of trunk
Strength of wood
Nor let it be
Misunderstood

Not hops or apples
Poppies or vines
Thriving in these
Cooler climes

A love like this
It must take time -
Precious specimens
You and I

Love like

A dandelion
Much despised
Hardy flower
For every dig
Sows more seed
Until it spreads
Its reedy feet
All over neighbours'
Fallow field
A tincture tea
To pep the heart
Set flight in spring
A work of art
As little copters
Spin on breeze
To plant ungovernable
Bright young weed
WordPress stock image

Rush

Truly startling
How heartache can feel
Like a rapid rushing
Over rocks
In time, over distance
A babbling brook
A trickle easing its way
To ocean
Accepted by generous banks
Of rivers
To gaze upon it
Perched aloft
All creatures delight
Tumble, preen and feed
On its shores

So shall I
South Hobart Rivulet in early Spring, Tasmania.

Days so inspired

Wander vast landscapes
In snow, wind and rain
Pour out my heart
On alluvial plane
Marvel and bow within
Carved limestone cave
Forage and flit about
White washed waves

For each day of yearning
Turns a new fresh page
Placing the point
On paper, thoughts race
As feelings are aired
They are lighter in space
Took all of my wandering
To know here is my place
Kunanyi / Mt Wellington in Spring snow, taken from Bellerive Pier, Hobart Tasmania.

These days

Do I need to say out loud
That you are the closest
I ever came to my person
If only you didn't
Have so many already

A brilliant and kind friend
Is worth more than
A golden ring inset
With diamonds marking
Decades of compromise

The most memorable and moving stories
May be untranslatable
Missed by your average listener
Unless they can read body language

Since the unspeakable time
One in 100 year devastation
I grow accustomed to sitting
In a crowded room surrounded by
Empty seats of friends
I've never forgotten

An artist captures the essence of my heartache
Blue china bathed statue
Raving about earl gray
Other pleasantries
In politest company
Handle with Care inspired by Jooyun’s story, 2024. Displayed at Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery exhibit re/JOY. Artist Vipoo Srivilasa.