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.

You.had.me

Forgive me for being
Curious, open, willing
Honest as they come
Naivety swills within

Rambunctious stories
Jig me in with
Hands that have held
Wild things

Champion blend in surrounds
All the ink I spilled
When wild stories hurt to hold in

The promise of getting old
One day with you
When you had me
At octopus
Artwork by artist Kerry J. Marvell on Bruny Island, Tasmania.

All the ways

We stop. Start.
Unparalleled universes
Yet familiar
Silence descends
Music elevates
Ups and downs
We cannot account for
Mysterious darkness
Truth of light reveals
Eyes are windows
Blinds closed
Cradle to grave
Only eternal sea knows

In my own skin

Layers as filo pastry
Deliciously warmed
Under the same sun
Peel away while sleeping
New versions of ourselves
Quietly revealing
Still the same old, same old
Heaving, breathing
Precious burst illuminating
Memories slink across my face
In diamond cut wrinkles
Glitter all over the place
Sunset at Fortescue Beach, Tasmania

Brave

Damage is never done
Healing is evolving
Heart not on a sleeve
Living and growing
Tough not stuff of nails
Craftsman appealing
Jars of clar both
Fragile and strong
Lasting ancient art
So too, are you
Brave enough to know
Worth in more than gold
Hobart cocktail bar in a restored chapel. ‘Come unto me all ye…’