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
Brian’s Reflections 