No poems written in November but December provided a few prompts:
Firstly, a poem for one of my ten grandchildren –
A Birthday Poem
Another birthday comes around A year coming for joy to be found More exciting things to discover Enjoyable times with your brother.
And now entering into your teens Bristling with energy, full of beans We hope the coming year brings fun Whether inside or in the sun.
Weaving your way through this life Avoiding all manner of strife Taking it all in your way Making sure you have your say.
But knowing that in the end All around you family send Their love and support So any battles can be fought.
Happy 13th birthday Ryder Love, Pop & Barbara
Brian Matthews 11-12-25
And, while at first I refrained from contributing to the flood of words prompted by the appalling massacre at Bondi, I found that thoughts banged around in my head relentlessly, and I needed to express these –
Bondi Reshaped
I’m lost for words! Well, obviously not!
But how to talk of this? Of course, comfort words flow.
So many badly wounded An unbelievable death count.
The politicians strut More so those not in power.
The tributes mount So many deeply affected.
The funerals begin The tears are shed.
Remonstrations as always Begin and build wilder.
Most are just appalled At the acts of hate.
For the families we weep With a sense of powerlessness.
We are all changed by this. Nobody can benefit.
But the wounds run deep Many, never to be healed.
Brian Matthews 19-12-25
Soon after, a brief Christmas poem emerged –
Christmas Away
A quiet Christmas this year Very few family near.
Likewise far from most friends In the new year we’ll make amends.
Christmas is often quiet, though, for us While many others make a big fuss.
A sumptuous meal on Christmas eve So missing out we do not grieve.
A few games we’ll probably play While with my wife’s uncle we stay.
But to friends and family best wishes I declare Assuring them we really care.
Brian Matthews 25-12-25
Followed by reflections on a lazy time –
The Day Drifts On
The gentle sounds of the day Whirring of a hedge trimmer Lilting songs of different birds.
A lazy time in holiday season Plenty of jobs possible But no need to do any.
Apart from routine work Washing a few dishes Cleaning some floors.
The old dog snores At peace on the couch Not a worry in the world.
Though struggling with limited food An upset stomach the problem No idea of the cause.
The day drifts on A gentle breeze blows And warmth envelops us.
Our holiday to warmer climes is near the end, though we have some whale watching booked before we head back from our third visit to Hervey Bay Queensland. So, here are a few poems I have written since my last post:
Another Anniversary
Some anniversaries are for celebrating Others mainly for commiserating The loss of one we loved and mourn Though knowing death is for all who are born.
My Mum lived a long, long life Full of joy and plenty of strife She faced each challenge as it came But by the end knew dying had no shame.
A heart of gold she surely had Helping others who had it bad A streak of independence a strong feature Never allowing struggles to beat her.
Until her final days did eventuate When way too much was heaped on her plate And then by frailty she was beset The time to finish without regret.
I’m glad for you that all pain is gone And that you had your time this Earth upon Shared your labours and your spirit Enjoyed your life and all who were in it.
Brian Matthews 12-7-25 On the 4th anniversary of my Mum’s death…
And then some doggy poems…
The old dog snoozes His fifteenth birthday today - Ah, what a good life.
Brian Matthews 20-7-25 On Riley’s birthday
And a longer poem for the ‘old fella’
Riley’s Fifteen
On his fifteenth birthday The little dog sleeps I wonder of what he dreams?
His early life rough Probably abused Abandoned in a shelter.
Rescued by a loving one But circumstances changed And he came to us.
For ten years one of our family Looking at his Mum with love Knowing he is wanted and safe.
Doggy Heaven I call it Where dogs needs are supreme Humans just fitting in.
Brian Matthews 20-7-25
And one for our 12 year old, Cavalier Boston Bulldog cross, Basil…
The old dog sleeps on the couch Tongue hangs out as so few teeth resting, waiting for his meal - Then devoured at once.
Brian Matthews 29-7-25
My first attempt at Dodoitsu Japanese style of poetry 7-7-7-5 syllables, no heading, no rhyming
And another dog-themed Dodoitsu
The two old dogs look at me Clear questions shown in their eyes Where is the dinner for us? Provide it right now!
Brian Matthews 29-7-25
The reddish tinge is the sunrise They love the beach (but I was still in bed)
And my son-in-law, Leigh, gave us a lovely surprise by organising a flying weekend visit of our daughter, Ashlea, from South Australia to Queensland…
A Big Surprise
The look on her face Such a surprise Bafflement grows into a broad smile.
Crossing half our country Flying then driving To spend time with her Mum.
I’m sure this will live Long in the memories Of her Mum and her great uncle.
Such a kind gesture By our son-in-law Organising the whole thing.
A generous and graceful deed One that is so appreciated Allowing time spent together.
Brian Matthews 28-7-25
How do young people do selfies so well?
And my final poem for this post was prompted when I was reading a novel set in the aftermath of a Californian bush fire (Smoke by Michael Brissenden)
Schadenfreude
I read the term ‘disaster porn’ The excitement people feel Over the catastrophes of others.
Similar to ‘suffering porn’ A commodity that exists On the TVs of the non suffering.
The fascination in others’ misfortune Some showing accidents Others stupidity in driving.
The German language captures this well With the word ‘schadenfreude’ Pleasure at the misery of another.
I wonder where this fits with empathy Another common human feature Not mutually exclusive so it seems.
Showing the complexity of the human condition That people can feel so deeply their neighbours’ pain And yet, at times, revel in this.
The critical issue I suggest Is how close one feels to those affected The pain of a sister cutting so deep.
The agony of someone from another culture The misfortune of a careless driver Allows the distress to be distanced.
‘This could never happen to me’ we think ‘I would never live in that place or do that thing’ Allowing complacency that is not deserved.
For, as with joy, suffering lingers for everyone Behind a thinly veiled drape Awaiting an inevitable curtain call.
Brian Matthews 15-8-25
It’s funny what can spark a poem..
I’ll finish with an early morning photo of a Brahmany Kite taken by my wife, Barbara, near the foreshore of Hervey Bay, Queensland…
Staying with Uncle Fred for a while. Just relaxing really. Lots of reading, walking, Rummikub, conversations, eating and drinking (moderately of course).
Not a lot of poetry written since my last update but I wrote this one while watching my Grandnephew, Lincoln, play in an Aussie Rules footy match. Of course it was wet, cold and rainy (goes with the code I guess) but Linc scored his first goal of the season – Whoo Hoo…
A Footy Game
Watching a footy match Cool and wet Even in Queensland midwinter.
The young men run Kick and jostle Smooth passes and then the pack.
Goals sail through Spectators cheer and shout Car horns beep.
The siren sounds Another quarter gone Players huddled round the coach.
And play resumes The minutes counting down Until that final siren.
One team joyful The other licking their wounds All ready for another day.
A metaphor for life The ups and downs A breather and then try again.
Brian Matthews 29-6-25
A little Haiku appeared while I was walking Basil around Little Mountain near Caloundra QLD
Old dog plods along Sniffing here, there, everywhere - Life is full of smells.
Brian Matthews 2-7-25
And a few photos from Urangan (Hervey Bay, QLD)
Many beautiful resting spots on the Esplanade walking/riding path but watch out for silent e-bikes and scooters moving at roadway speeds
A small B&W bird that allowed me to get close enough with the totally inadequate 5X zoom of an iPhone 12Basil yet again A lovely nearby lagoon – part of Arkarra Lagoons I thinkA nearby typical QLD streetscape
On a sadder note is my final poem for this post, remembering my son Sam on the anniversary of his death…
Pain Recurring
On this day we feel the pain Your loss hits us all again Railing against your awful fate Each time of year on this date.
Remembering your lovely smile The energy shown on every mile That through this life you did tread The joy in life on which you fed.
You live with us every day Thinking of the things you’d say The humour that we all enjoyed As with words you often toyed.
I see you in my mind’s eye As through the cosmos you do fly Your body now long gone But to me it feels so wrong.
While your absence we must accept The idea would be nice to reject So dream of you I always will To keep you in my heart still.
Brian Matthews 3-7-25
Maybe better to finish with a few photos:
Selfie with Linc, Barbara & meBarbara & Uncle Fred playing Rummikubhttps://rummikub.com/
Travelling does lead to time on the hands and, as I had some other computer things to do, thought I’d update my blog.
Here’s a lovely sunset photo from Goondiwindi, in Queensland, on the Queensland/New South Wales border:
Goondiwindi Sunset
I do find I don’t write as much since I lost my gig on community radio. That motivated me to produce new material and my headspace was so much better when I had a monthly audience and the lovely interactions with Jan Potter, such a skilled and prolific communicator with a keen mind and a sharp wit.
Enough of that! Below are poems I have written since my last update over 3 months ago:
The first poem was written on the way back from our last camping trip and my last blog post:
The Circle of Life
In Dimboola again Stopped there on the first day Now here again on the last.
A large caravan park On the banks of the Wimmera River Slow flowing, if at all, this time of year.
Just over a month ago the town was evacuated Threatened by a major bushfire Last night a celebration for the firies who saved them.
Such it is in country Victoria Where the wet is very wet And the dry a tinderbox.
Those living in rural Australia Have a wonderful lifestyle But nature gives and takes.
Communities band together Through the good and the bad As happens all around the World.
‘No man is an island’ Said the ancient bard Applying as it does to this island continent.
Brian Matthews 30-3-25
Then came one of my too regular hiatus, followed by some poems in May for important events and people.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is here Let’s all give a cheer For those who work away Each and every day.
For you Barbara, this I say In the month of May That each day that goes by For you I’ll always try
To pick up after myself And put things on their shelf And vacuum here and there To pick up doggy hair.
But being a Mother is much more Than each and every chore That daily you do complete Such an amazing feat.
For the major things that score Those things that make us sure How much we all have a space In your home our favourite place.
Whether it be a favourite meal Or time together that we steal We know that you will be there With lots of love we all can share.
Brian Matthews 10-5-25 For Mother’s Day on 11/5
For Ashlea
A lovely Mum you are In the home or in the car So positive with each little one Full of life and so much fun.
I love to see you interact With your kids and that’s a fact The joy that each does show In the light of your loving glow.
And as the kids grow up Drinking from your loving cup Strength of character will develop As your love does them envelop.
Brian Matthews 10-5-25 For Mother’s Day 2025
Alexa turns 15
Another birthday comes around There’s more in life to be found And explore away I’m sure you will Avoiding things that give you nil.
For that in life is a major task Seeking what you can is all you ask Avoiding things that bring no joy Seeking out each brand new toy.
What makes you happy can be found In the sky and on the ground The searching itself quite a job Before, on the item, you do lob.
For each of us find different things As life at us experience flings I’m sure that you will find your place Special things to fill your space.
Brian Matthews 12-5-25 For my granddaughter Alexa’s 15th birthday on 16-5-25
Followed in June by poems related to the weather and places:
Life’s Cycles
A rainy day at last Nice for a change The Earth so thirsty The rivers stagnant pools.
And with the rain comes life The slopes turning green The birds celebrate Then shelter from the downpour.
Thus it is in life Drought followed by rain Dry soil absorbing the moisture The runoff swelling streams.
Insect and animal abodes devastated But soon to be built again Farmers counting the cost Emergency services cleaning the mess.
And life goes on Assured that nothing stays the same Cycles are important Changes always needed.
Brian Matthews 6-6-25
A Peaceful Place
A peaceful place Cold at this time Nearby mountains Shrouded in snow.
Morning mist lingering Then banished by the sun But only briefly As the clouds roll in.
A lovely caravan park Green grass plentiful Tall trees throughout On the bend of a river.
A tiny town, Freeburgh Just over 100 people Not far from Bright A gateway to the High Country.
A pleasant area to spend time Dogs in their coats Not impressed at all Humans so strange sometimes.
Brian Matthews 10-6-25
Sunset on Mount Hotham (Victoria Australia )
A visit to my Uncle Peter’s at Coolah New South Wales (home of the Black Stump) where I took a photo of a couple of friends getting together:
Then a poem about the amount of daylight:
The Shortest Day
The shortest day is here again This one with a smatter of rain In a warmer climate we are After many days in the car.
Such a broad country in which we live The weather does different things give But wherever we might be Assured of more light we soon will see.
As our globe around the sun does spin Each day a little more light we’ll win Before we know it the days will be long Filled with heat and many birds’ song.
As life goes on around the Earth Bringing joy, crises and many a birth We think of those we love so much They warm our hearts, a gentle touch.
Brian Matthews 21-6-25
And this post concludes with a poem for my grandson Archie and some random photos I took while strolling the streets of Yeronga, a suburb of Brisbane, Queensland Australia
The Road Ahead
As each year goes by We all have to try To do our best in this world And toward adulthood you are hurled.
So many choices you may make As these steps you do take Not all of these will be the best As life presents each test.
But even when one is failed The road ahead will be paved With successes that bring you to Places that you never knew.
So much to learn and do Loves, hopes and wishes too Stepping through life with head held high Ensuring that your goals are nigh.
Please be the best person that you can And grow into a loving man Respecting family and friends For any missteps making amends.
Brian Matthews 23-6-25 Prompted by the approach of grandson Archie’s 15th birthday on July 10
It’s in the nature of a holiday that you have more time to reflect, write, and do some navel gazing. For me, that often means writing some poetry and updating my blog. So here we go….
Between Christmas and New Year, after the hub hub of one and before the bedlam of another, my reflections led me here..
Marking Time
It is a strange time of year Christmas gone and the new year near. The bingeing of Christmas over Giving time for the stomach to recover.
Christmas decorations still on display Spread on the couch so many lay A brief heatwave come, now paused Though many a bushfire it caused.
As we ponder what with the new year will come We all hope it will bring some fun. And productivity for all For goods and services we all do call.
A big part of life is the wonder About the future, things we cannot always number Watching youth explore their world As challenges toward them are hurled.
And those who are older do reflect About all those things they did not expect. So much information for all to see But so much about which we disagree.
So, at this time we all can pause And wave goodbye to Santa Claus. Knowing both good and bad will emerge But toward the future we all must surge.
Brian Matthews 27-12-24
I did not feel very motivated to write in January but I did pen this one for a very special occasion..
Our 25th Wedding Anniversary
Another anniversary soon here Our 25th it is this year 30 years now we’re together Through both fine and stormy weather.
This anniversary is called the Silver Though not a precious metal you prefer So another choice I make Hopefully to this you’ll take.
To celebrate the years shared To each other our souls bared Thankful you are in my life So happy to call you my wife.
And while we will have our ups and downs Let’s hope there aren’t too many frowns For you I do dearly love And all others put above.
Forgive me please for each mistake That in this life I do make For a better person I have been Ever since you became my Queen.
Brian Matthews 22-1-25 For our anniversary on the 29th
And then poems for two of my grandsons, Toby and Jayden, who probably preferred that I devote my time to other endeavours..
A birthday poem for Toby
Another birthday soon here I hope this one brings you cheer Moving through life so fast Remembering the happiness past.
Looking forward to what will be Advancing age making you free Of all the limits that childhood surround Interests and activities newly found.
One thing you can know for a fact Is that your family will have your back Helping you to chart a way To make the most of every day.
So, for your birthday we wish you the best As the winds of a new year you do test Looking toward a day of fun As into the future you do run.
Happy 14th birthday Toby 15-2-25 Brian Matthews 10-2-25
A birthday poem for Jayden
Turning sixteen What does that mean? A step closer to an adult world Into which you’ll be inevitably hurled.
But for a while you can lean back And take a more leisurely tack Enjoy your birthday while you can For, too soon, you’ll be a man.
I hope your birthday is cool Even if you have to suffer school And that the year to come Brings you joy and lots of fun….
Brian Matthews 23-2-25 For Jayden’s birthday on 25-2-25
Another break in writing and then who should inspire me to write but Dickhead Donald..
A modern circus
A madman in power Not uncommon in our World But that he leads the US That jars for many.
A special speech to Congress Treated like a media event Arrogance from his mouth Clearly inflated by the event.
Republicans standing clapping Democrats sitting silently “America is back” he spouts “A golden age for America has come”.
Repeating his voting successes Over and over and over Smug smiles his response To a naysayer in the audience.
The outspoken senator removed The message made clear He’ll steamroller over objections And the circus continues.
Diversity, equity and inclusion A huge target for this man So many hard fought gains Swept away by his words.
So many riding his wave Entranced by his rhetoric Redolent of Hitler’s rise Fodder for the future.
Tough times ahead for the World A major power in the hands of an entertainer Populist changes highlighted Former progress negated.
Brian Matthews 5-3-25
A few days later in a quiet period I thought to myself, “find inspiration in something that is positive!”, and so I did..
Surrounded by Sensation
The warmth of the day Wraps around me as I read Comfortable sitting in the shade An ebook open in my hands.
The bird life quieter in the midday heat The warm breeze caressing the trees Distant traffic noises ebb and flow Leaves and flowers rippling to and fro.
A butterfly, no two, dance around A rainbow lorikeet relaxes on a shady bough A door slams in the wind nearby Serenity surrounds us all.
If only we watch and listen The gentle rustle of leaves Sunlight reflecting on the birdbath Nature’s comforting gestures.
Brian Matthews 7-3-25
And two weeks later, 800 or so kilometres from home, I continued this theme (mainly) and have included a snippet of what I heard..
The Bell Birds Sing
Bell Bird melody surrounds me Interrupted by the squwarks Of sulphur crested cockatoos And air brakes of a truck nearby.
A lovely campground here in Yea Spitting distance from Melbourne On a small river that flows Unusual for those from the Dry.
It rained for much of the night A soothing, constant pitter patter Rain that quenches the land Not flooding and devastation.
A type of rain common in Victoria Much wetter than South Australia Most of which is dessert Without irrigation from the Murray.
The Australian population clinging Mainly near the coasts Where rain is more forthcoming Desalination topping up reservoirs.
Yet in the North and East Deluges are frequent Houses washed away People and animals stranded.
A land of contradictions But not surprising really When reminded of its vastness The largest island a continent.
Though down below An island state does hang With a climate of its own Ignoring the mainland woes.
And decisions for the country Made mainly in the East Much to the chagrin Of the West, South and North.
But all of this is swept away By the Bell Birds and cockatoos Peaceful, pleasant surroundings A salve to my soul.
Brian Matthews 21-3-25
When saving the audio file of the sounds around me to my Notes, it picked up an Haiku I had written some time back..
A range of bird sounds Some so sweet and endearing- While others grate our ears.
And a sample of the sounds that surrounded me today..
Brian’s Reflections 