Continuing our campervan holiday interstate, though staying with a friend and then family for the past two weeks, visiting the world of my younger brother Ian, who passed away three years ago.
But first a poem in memory of my son, Sam’s, death two years ago on the 3rd of July…
Pain revisited
That anniversary looms again
The day we lost you soon to begin
Memories of the pain we all felt
And still feel at the blow that was dealt.
We know that we all must die
And that, for us, others will cry
But when one from this Earth is rent
When not enough time here has been spent.
We rail against the pain
Of injustice to keep us sane
For if the emotions we push away
From our love of the person we do stray.
His children continue to grow
And in their smiles we see his glow
Remembering all that us he gifted
Might, just a little, leave our spirits lifted.
Brian Matthews 2-7-24
Then a lighter one to celebrate my grandson, Archie’s, fourteenth birthday…
Some birthday thoughts
Archie will now be fourteen
What can that mean?
Leaving childhood behind
I guess that you won’t mind.
I wonder what plans there are
Or is it enough to reach for a star?
The unknowns in life abound
Until a likely path is found.
Wherever in life you stray
In Pop and BaBa’s hearts you’ll stay.
We hope that life will bring you joy
As with different experiences you toy.
Remember that we are always here
To bring you comfort and lots of cheer.
Brian Matthews 2-7-24
(for Archie’s birthday on 10-7-24)
Followed by one written at the home of the ‘Black Stump’, Coolah, New South Wales…
Another Place
A welcoming spot here
With a flowing creek near
Full clouds billowing above
Occasional sunlight sending its love.
Rural Australia has so much to offer
Encouraging me another poem to proffer
Staying now in the home of the black stump
Coolah, a little town, on the map barely a bump.
Catching up with family we are
Difficult to do when they live afar
But important to connect when possible
Escaping from our everyday bubble.
Life can be fine staying at home
Though it’s also good to our country roam
And visit places never before seen
Giving our senses a bit of a clean.
Brian Matthews 4-7-24
And a celebration of getting into the warmer climate of Queensland…
Into the Warm
Sunshine at last
The colder weather passed
Well into Queensland now
The cold we disavow.
It will be nice for a time
To enjoy this warmer clime
As friends and family we see
In shorts I can finally be.
And as further north we go
The country will itself us it show
And I’m sure the odd beer there’ll be
As from the cold we’re finally free.
Brian Matthews 10-7-24
Finally, two poems reflecting on the loss of my brother…
His Light Still Shines
It’s three years today
Since you, so suddenly, went away
Your smile no longer there
Your laugh without a care.
Missed by all of us
Not that you’d want such a fuss
Such a relaxed approach to life
Avoiding all possible strife.
Spreading joy wherever you went
With everyone who time you spent
The master of the tall, tall tale
Bringing a laugh without a fail.
But when I need you there you are
Walking down the street or in the car
Your life wisdom ever clear
Even though you are no longer here.
I miss you brother that’s for sure
As through this life I do tour
Knowing that while you have gone
Where you walked the sun still shone.
Brian Matthews 17-7-24
He Hovers Still
A strange time emotionally
Revisiting his past rationally
But the thoughts and images poke through
Bringing with them a sense of feelings askew.
As I sit on the well worn chair
I think he hovers just over there
On me I detect his broad smile
His laughter lingering a while.
Though very different we were
Our similarities can others stir
And in their eyes I sometimes see
The love that there will always be.
Brian Matthews 26-7-24
Brian’s Reflections 