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
Brian’s Reflections 