Another Day
And now the weather
Remindful of Queensland
Humidity so high
Sweat drips easily.
Not surprising now
After so much rain
Sun peeking around the clouds
Heating the land.
A good day for the beach
But work beckons
Then tired from the effort
And other tasks call.
So often that happens
A perfect day present
But other things compete
Go with the flow we must.
If truth be told
A beach day possible
But that would allow
Too much time to think.
Occupying self important
When worries lurk
Even though we know
Action can these avert.
Not that the problems disappear
For some things cannot
But taking a step
Sometimes soothes emotions.
When the step instead
Turns to a stumble
At least the effort made
That will have to suffice.
So let’s talk weather
A neutral topic
Always available and free
To be shared with others.
Brian Matthews, 24-1-22
Another Anniversary
Another anniversary it is
The 22nd this time
How have things changed
Since the last?
Considerably more turmoil
Loss of siblings for both
And a mother farewelled
A son sorely afflicted.
Limped on we have
Relationship straining too often
Sharing not enough
Bows drawn in angst.
Life’s constant challenge
Shapes us sorely
And yet we survive
No other option clear.
I’ve loved you another year
And felt the love from you
Fragments of this
Buried deep in both.
No matter what the future holds
I think we both embrace
Dreams of better times
Songs we both can share.
Sharing our concerns
Must be the way ahead
In solitude little is learned
I choose you instead.
Brian Matthews, 27/1/22
A Nice Change
Away on a holiday
A change of scene
Camping yet again
More prepared now.
Near the Murray
A pleasant camping site
Now that school holidays over
A much quieter space.
A cosy, cosy tent
A screen tent as well
More space than before
And friends to share with.
Cooler than planned
But warming soon
A strange summer
La Niña I’m told.
Walks and talks
Meals and conversations
Eating under the sky
To bed so early.
It makes a nice change
From the usual routines
Feeds the wanderlust
Refreshes the spirit.
Reminds us of the comfort
Of our lovely home
And gives chances to look
At sights that never grow old.
The Murray is in my blood
As near its banks I was born
Pelicans soaring above
A punt to cross its cloudy waters.
In its waters I first ventured
Before a beach I even saw
Swam across it in my youth
Though not tempted to now.
A week away it seems
A good idea for us
Both keen for a break
And to enjoy simple pleasures.
Brian Matthews, 2-2-22
Soothing Sounds
All asleep bar me
But heading that way soon
Mainly silence in this spot
Occasional bird and insect noise.
But soft snoring on my left
And from the camp on my right
Enjoying the stereophonic effect
A relaxing sound for me.
An occasional vehicle rumbles
On the road nearby
Distant sounds of the punt
Operational all night.
As I prepare to sleep
Disrobing in a soft light
Careful not to disturb
My purring wife and dog.
And then settling in
Wriggling to find that sweet spot
Thoughts flitting around
Drifting into deep sleep.
And then the silence absolute
As into dreamland I drift
A kick of the legs
As the body relaxes.
Before I know it
Sounds start again
The birds heralding the day
Early risers pottering around.
And up to face the day
Little on the agenda
Some reading and walking
Maybe some water play.
This is the life
Away from the usual demands
The pressure cooker vents
And leaves a settling rhythm.
Brian Matthews, 6-2-22
Better News
So better news it is
At last treatment having effect
All so relieved
Battle front shifted forward.
We all know though
The fight still ongoing
Left with fatigue and nausea
Restrictions on daily life.
Some light from tunnel’s end
A long distance travelled
Still further to go
But flames of hope fanned.
Fingers and toes crossed
Hoping for that day
When experts smile
At treatment’s success.
Brian Matthews, 6-2-22
Fun for All
Wind seemingly ever present
Though lulls do occur
Warmth in a stiff breeze
Too hot in the sun.
Water activities in the offing
A kayak in the river
Tipping seems inevitable
And the spluttering to follow.
But all will be in fun
Laughing part of the deal
Engaging with the elements
Enjoying the sun that shines.
We never really grow up
But older we surely get
Fewer risks taken
The body not as agile.
But fun can be had
No matter the age
Goalposts gradually shifting
Sights slightly lowered.
Brian Matthews, 6-2-22
Reminders
Extended our holiday
Enjoying the serenity
Not reminded of duties
Satisfying selves all there is.
Strange it seems to me
That in the comfort of home
Reminders always exist
Of chores necessary.
A different place
Strangers all around
Places new and revisited
A novel type of peace.
But pressures do mount
Gradually but surely
Reminding self that some chores
Are things we want to do.
A break is always good
Removing one from routines
Reminding of the joy there is
In the little things in life.
Brian Matthews, 11-2-22
Changes
Some changes are good
With many we’re torn
Remembering how it was
Not long after we were born.
Of some things, of course
We can be so sure
That things will move on
Motives not always so pure.
These features of life
Never remain still
Though some of the movement
Regret we truly will.
But the pendulum swings
Back and still forth
Until old things become new
Human nature such a force.
The older I get
The more I’m bemused
Better I suppose
Than being confused.
Brian Matthews, 12-2-22
Brian’s Reflections 