I have visited the Flinders Ranges in the north of South Australia many times over the last 58 or so years. There is something about the scenery, the flora and fauna that has entrapped many artists, photographers and, this case a poet of sorts.

Currently, I am spending a second five day stint in a lovely, friendly caravan park in an almost dead town called Carrieton. The caravan park is sited in the old Carrieton Primary School with lovely views of the Flinders Ranges.

The first of my poems in this post are from prior to this trip, a number of months when my creative urges were infrequent as evidenced by the first poem…

The Gap

Half of February gone
And not one poem has appeared 
The creative sun has not on me shone
No pithy phrases have their heads reared. 

It is like this at times
Huge gaps in my writing 
Nowhere can I find the rhymes
And my free form just wilting. 

One of the issues is, I think
That little that I have to say
Appears important, my words they stink
Even those that are meant as play. 

Remind myself I need to do
That my poems help me process 
Thoughts that my synapses chew
So that my feelings I don’t repress. 

There you have it, a poem done
Even if the quality is a little lacking
My emotions don’t feel so alone
Once my brain I’ve finished hacking. 

Brian Matthews 15-2-26

Unfortunately, this did not unblock my creative urges but early in April I wanted to write something for my beloved stepdaughter Ashlea who has been very supportive of my poetry and has encouraged me to share it with others…

Ashlea’s Fortieth 

Forty years ago today, 
A little baby girl was born,
Such a tiny creature then,
The mantle of motherhood now worn. 

Though not all of that time
Did I know you,
I saw you from a little girl,
Into the dynamic woman you grew. 

Your positive attributes abound,
Compassion and empathy to the fore,
Kindness and consideration as well,
Honesty and truthfulness form your core. 

I am so grateful to have you,
Making my life so much better,
Wondering what it would be like,
To experience this richness never. 

Thank you for all you do,
For your family and beyond.
May your day be joyful,
And filled with things of which you’re fond. 

Brian Matthews 3-4-26

And, later in the month, a dear friend for 50 years offered his (and his lovely wife’s) help in overcoming a short term financial hurdle, an act for which I will be forever grateful…

Generosity 

The generosity of a friend is humbling
Offering a loan when no other choice appears
Minimising the act itself
Making me feel so valued. 

Financial challenges often appear 
But lately there is little respite 
From costs that inevitably arise
And those caused by a ‘Vanity War’. 

Common aphorisms abound
‘A friend in need is a friend indeed’
‘Neither a borrower nor a lender be’
True friendship cuts through these. 

Brian Matthews 22-4-26

And April brought another offering that developed out of gardening and the dawn walks my wife loves and a month of early morning swims…

The Senses

The smell of a frangipani flower
The pink flush of the dawn
Assailed by our senses’ power
Against complacency it does warn. 

So rich our lives can be
If only to these inputs we attend
Setting our minds free
Allowing our hearts to mend. 

Becoming bogged down by thoughts and fear
Does not allow our spirit to grow
But keeping sensory experiences near
Helps our inner self show. 

Focussing on the here and now
Not on the past or future 
Will help us figure out how
The wounds acquired we can suture. 

Brian Matthews 25-4-26

But, of course, I don’t always follow my own advice and let the little things get to me. A poem written helps…

Stressing Out

The stress builds
Waiting for a scheduled phone call
No surprise that it hasn’t come. 

Needing to get on with my day 
But nothing is going my way
I feel like a pressure cooker. 

Marking time until the relief valve blows
Feeling my blood pressure rise
Knowing that stressing doesn’t help. 

My stomach churns
My vision blurs 
Life can be such a bastard. 

Knowing that tomorrow I may laugh
At what a knot I got myself in
It will all be okay. 

Writing this helps a little 
Purposely taking the longer view 
Avoiding the minor irritants. 

Being aware that some people have real stress
Not these first world problems 
Everywhere people suffer. 

Worrying about where the next meal comes from
Keeping a roof over their family’s head
Survival itself can be a challenge. 

And I allow myself to worry 
About issues that will be resolved 
I must remember, this too shall pass. 

Brian Matthews 28-4-26

And then May brought a holiday to the Flinders Ranges and Yorke Peninsula (Tumby Bay). For reasons unknown to me, while Tumby Bay was lovely and relaxing with early morning walks and catching up with friends, no poetry emerged but a few sprung forth in the Flinders Ranges and a brief offering on my eldest granddaughter’s birthday…

Nature’s Offerings

Flies can be such a pest
Making it difficult to have a short rest 
Those little ones getting in your eyes
Up your nose and ears another prize. 

The beauty of our states north
Brooding ranges sallying forth
Creek beds cutting through the land
Usually with trees under which to stand. 

The moon so full in the night
Glittering stars until the light
A vast country in which we live
So rarely do we thanks for this give. 

Blinded by our obsession with things
Ignoring what, each day, nature brings
But each day some time can be found
To simply go outside and look around. 

Brian Matthews 4-5-26

I planned to write something about flies, but it went a bit sideways 

Alexa’s 16

It seems like yesterday 
When those wide curious eyes 
Tried to make sense of this world. 

But many years have passed 
And you have grown so tall
A young woman now. 

May you have a life of joy
Climb mountains that you choose 
Have a zest for living. 

Love Pop 
Written 10-5-26 for 16-5-26

And, back in the Flinders Ranges, raucous white parrots called Corellas prompted my final poem for this post…

Ah, the Corellas

Such a noisy bunch 
Flitting here and there
Looking for something to munch
Or maybe some excitement here. 

Few country towns have no flocks
Breeding prolifically as they do
Difficult to keep in their box
As on the trees they chew. 

In pairs they often sit
Grooming one another 
Quiet and resting for a bit
Until noisily they rise from cover. 

Then so raucous for awhile 
Rising up in such a mass
Swooping across another mile
Settling again as bold as brass. 

Brian Matthews 19-5-26

Nearing the end of our month and more in Hervey Bay, Queensland, and a few poems have emerged marking my thoughts about a range of events…

The first was prompted by an upbeat post on Facebook by a friend of over 30 years who humbles me by her resilience in the face of challenges that would leave many in despair. I recommend her books…

Facing the Future 

A new year comes again 
Hopeful that from violence all will refrain

And yet we are familiar with the statistics 
The death of women and so many by ballistics. 

It is hard to see the glass half full 
Though that is such a useful tool. 

But try to do this I exhort
A life lesson too seldom taught. 

But oft discovered amongst the mire
A trait that I, for one, admire. 

Wade through the dense foliage I will
Thanking those who encourage me still. 

By the way they meet their hassles 
Building such incredible castles. 

Surround yourself with people like this
It’s probably the best way to find your bliss. 

Brian Matthews  2-1-26

Dedicated to my friend Jacy Arthur 
The ‘Glass Half Full’ trait personified 

The next was to mark the 40th birthday of my youngest son, Ben…

A Significant Birthday 

A significant birthday comes
The 40th of the youngest of my sons. 

I hope the day brings happiness, Ben
And brings to you all that you yen. 

But whatever it is that you do
I hope you can avoid feeling blue. 

Reflect on all that you are grateful for
As into life your energy you pour. 

And plan ahead for things you desire 
Avoiding wading through the mire. 

Take those paths likely to lead to joy
About your happiness don’t be coy. 

Embrace your life as though it has no end
To you and your family, my love I send. 

Brian Matthews 3-1-26
For Ben’s 40th on January 4th

The next poem was also prompted by a friend’s Facebook post …

My Brother 

A post from a friend
Missing his brother 
How often this happens 
The emotions of another 
Cascade through your mind
Until peace again you find. 

For my brother is not gone
While he lives in our memories 
His soul flitting around
On the breeze in the trees 
His smile and his chuckle 
Ensuring to struggles we don’t buckle. 

Brian Matthews 12-1-26

I usually avoid commenting on Australia Day, January 26th, due to the controversy about its origins and the lack of respect that choosing this as a date to celebrate being Australian demonstrates to our First Nation’s People. Better, in my opinion to move it to January 31st, a date we could all celebrate…

Some of Us

The stories are now told
Of the massacres of old. 

People who on this land had been
Long before by Europeans seen. 

And yet, as children we did not hear
Of the ravages that happened so near. 

And the battles now rage on
While our first Australians mourn their land gone. 

Celebrate our nation for sure
But do not the past obscure. 

A huge debt yet to be paid
Before lasting peace can finally be made. 

Some of us have been left far behind
And others say ‘pay it no mind’. 

Most, I think, would like to move ahead 
The past being something they dread. 

But until the truth is told and all revealed 
Will the wounds be treated and partially healed. 

Until that day is finally here
Let’s hope the nation’s tale is made clear. 

Brian Matthews 25-1-26

Reflecting on ‘Australia Day’ 26th January after reading an article ‘The horrific January 26th you never learnt about’ by John Paul Janke in SBS news

It is difficult to ignore the orange man who the US people have put into power for the second time and it is pleasing to see so many US citizens taking a stand against his bully-boy tactics. But, for some, this has lethal consequences…

Another Life Lost

As the demented President charges on
Enforcing his hate filled agenda
Another of his citizens is shot
Masked enforcers invading city streets. 

Illegal US immigrants the supposed targets
And yet legal citizens are slain
Armed Federal agents descending 
A person dies in the turmoil. 

The First Bully’s face appears 
Shouting his hate filled words
Casting slurs on other Nations 
Assuming legitimacy where there is none. 

Voices of reason can be heard
Another Nation’s leader does step up
Amongst the many dissenting voices
But most, on these issues are demure. 

For the Bully’s reach is far
And the rich and powerful in his corner 
Reminiscent of times past
Yet so many have forgotten. 

Brian Matthews 25-1-26

Prompted by the shooting and killing of another US citizen during ICE (US Customs & Immigration Enforcement) raids in Minnesota 

But, to end on a more positive note, a poem for our 26th Wedding Anniversary. Where have the last 30 years gone?…

Celebrating our 26th Wedding Anniversary 

Another important date arrives
Time to celebrate another year gone
As our marriage still thrives 
Welcoming yet another dawn. 

A year of little change
But I hope not too many regrets 
Though across the country we did range
With us, of course, came our pets. 

A Christmas spent far away
In a very pleasant place
A different holiday season I’ll say
Each day very easy to face. 

I look forward to many more years with you
Whether at home or far away
In good spirits or when you’re blue
By your side I plan to stay. 

So, have a happy anniversary my dear
Enjoy the day and what we do
Knowing that I love having you near
And to you I’ll stick like glue. 

Brian Matthews 28-1-26

Written for our 26th Wedding Anniversary on the 29th

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. 

Brian Matthews 29-12-25

I was surprised at how long since my last post. Not much inspiration lately, I guess…

Here’s one I wrote for the beginning of Spring

Springtime 

Settling in again
After a very long trip
Almost three months away. 

Another birthday gone
Celebrated with loved ones
And the first of a new month. 

Spring has now come
Though the cold still lingers
Taking its time to move on. 

It feels like a rebirth
New things soon to be revealed 
And that is the beauty in life. 

We never really know
What is yet to come
To overturn the negatives of the day. 

There is so much misery 
But joy still creeps through 
Shining light in the dark places. 

The habitual frowns of so many
Cast aside by childish glee
Of those discovering things anew. 

Reminding us of our own past
The new things that tickled
The emotions that made us tremble. 

No matter how despondent we may feel
Hope always emerges and trickles through 
Creating new and emerging waterfalls. 

Brian Matthews 1-9-25

And, one I wrote for my darling wife Barbara’s birthday

Barbara’s Birthday 

Another birthday comes around
More joy to be found
A meal and a present or two
To show we’re thinking of you. 

Another year has now passed 
The passing of time has us aghast
What is it that’s changed for you?
What projects are on the brew?

Whatever it is that you do
Each day you’ll get through 
Dealing with challenges as they arise 
To no one else’s surprise. 

Making your lists each day
Ticking off tasks on the way
Planning an important part of your life
Avoiding all manner of strife. 

I hope this birthday treats you well
But, of course, only time will tell 
So here we go hoping for the best
No matter what life presents as a test. 

And move forward you will
Knowing that time you’ll kill
Embracing that which comes your way
Loving each and every day. 

Brian Matthews 27-10-25

Humpback Whales 

A pleasant boat trip
Out on the bay
The odd humpback whale
Here and there. 

So hard to get a photo 
Better just to relax
Soak up the sun
Enjoy the experience. 

They do what they will
Idling around in the water 
The occasional breach
My camera too slow to catch. 

And then across a pod we come
Curious young ones
Watching us for a while
A few photos and videos taken. 

Such gracious creatures 
At home in their world
Seemingly not worried 
By the presence of the aliens. 

Brian Matthews 18-8-25

I don’t usually post so regularly but this deserved its own space, I thought…

An Earthquake 

The house shook
Only a brief disruption 
Is the washing machine off balance?
No, the cycle is finished!

A quick search showed the cause
A 5.2 magnitude quake
162 kilometres north of Brisbane 
A few minutes to affect Hervey Bay. 

The balance of the Earth can shift
So rapidly when nature determines 
Solidity is never certain 
Life and all in it is ephemeral. 

The human condition seeks certitude
But all around us things change 
Evolving, devolving, moving and shifting 
The only certainty in life is change. 

Brian Matthews 16-8-25

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

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

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…

Such a beautiful bird with its distinctive laughing call. Plenty of them in the caravan park here at Airlie Beach

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

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: