An audio recording of my readings on the Words to Share segment with Jan Potter on Happy FM, https://www.radio901.com.au/ and the details of my readings.
For Erin
Words are all I have
To explain and comfort
To help map a way ahead.
But now they fail me
No directions appearing
Support feeling superficial.
I wish I could do something
Nothing now appearing
The future a blur.
A brave young woman
Children by her side
Taking one step at a time.
And so it must be
For others can’t direct
Or choose her path.
All who know her
Would unreservedly agree
She has the wherewithal.
But the challenges abound
Rearing their heads
The expected and unexpected.
Standing alone now
Lonely in the crowd
The sounding board silent.
And yet a whisper exists
The things Sam said and felt
The love not lost.
Brian Matthews, 24-8-22
A night out
Such fun to be here
Live music and dancing
Songs in the air
Jostling with the laughter.
Smiling faces all around
An affirmation of life
Not just stewing at home
Gnawing the bone of grief.
Snippets of conversation
No subject too lengthy
Living in the now
Shaking the old bones.
A refreshing change
An important reminder
Of the need for joy
Fertiliser for the soul.
Brian Matthews, 28/8/22
The link
The bond between parent and child
Emotional and physical
Genes tugging back & forth
So many shared experiences.
The bond between partners
Again, shared experiences
Importantly, shared dreams
A path mapped out together.
These links are assumed
Though not always there
Needing to be fed and watered
Shrivelling if not maintained.
Care for another at the core
But that is not enough
Showing the love important
Heart on the sleeve.
Sharing the strengths
Appreciating the vulnerabilities
Always being there
Without overpowering their will.
Brian Matthews, 28/8/22
For my children
On this my special day
To all of you I say
Thank you for your sentiments
So much better than any presents.
Life is busy at your age
More so than any other stage
I did not fully realise it in the past
Too busy working at the mast.
Time is fleeting so it’s said
Best not waste it in your bed
Though sleep is needed and to be enjoyed
It’s also necessary to be employed.
In the constant work of life
Engaging with others no matter the strife
Showing love and concern
Not allowing bridges to burn.
Brian Matthews, 28/8/22
Goodbye Normanville Beach Cafe
So like a wake
Free food and drink
Tears and laughter
A sense of disbelief.
People gathering to share
Memories and anecdotes
Friends joking and reconnecting
But not at this place anymore.
The vocal few’s attempts foiled
Realisation of this reality
Now sinking in to those opposed
Guilty now that they did not act.
But it has been obvious to most
That this change was not wanted
The glass castle envisaged
And the debt now assured.
A Council that has not listened
Claims that objectors are few
Ensuring bad will in the future
As rates rise yet again.
And in its wake a family
Ravaged by these events
To be replaced by Food Trucks
All atmosphere gone.
Change is inevitable
That we all know
But casting aside loved assets
Should be done with care.
No amount of argument
Will convince all to agree
But a decision bullied through
Leaves a sour lingering taste.
Brian Matthews, 3-9-22
Father’s Day 2022
Four men at a table
Sharing their lives
Joking and laughing
But the deep pain is there.
The time passes too quickly
To a park they move
Not dressed for the weather
But difficult to draw apart.
Sharing tales of Sam
The man no longer there
Unwilling to end this time
Returning to their families.
For he cannot do this
Though his wife and children remember
In a visit to his beach
Writing in the sand.
The harsh edges of sorrow
Gradually worn smoother
By time and experience
The roots of love expanding.
These times can be hard
But losses are part of life
We must rise from the ashes of grief
Lest we betray the love of those lost.
Brian Matthews, 5-9-22
JOY
Joy does not arrive with a fanfare,
on a red carpet strewn with the flowers of a perfect life.
Joy sneaks in, as you pour a cup of coffee,
watching the sun hit your favourite tree, just right.
And you usher joy away,
because you are not ready for it.
Your house is not as it must be,
for such a distinguished guest.
But joy cares nothing for your messy home,
or your bank-balance,
or your waistline, you see.
Joy is supposed to slither through the cracks of your imperfect life,
that’s how joy works.
You cannot invite her, you can only be ready when she appears.
And hug her with meaning,
because in this very moment,
joy chose you.
Brian’s Reflections 