Author: brianedmatthews
I’m a retired psychologist and academic who enjoys the outdoors (sailing a 4.3 metre catamaran, long walks in the country and on our nearby beach, gardening), reading, writing poems and, at times, stories. I’m married, have five children and 10 grandchildren and am involved in a number of community groups (sailing club, choir, Show Society and others)
Brian reading poetry, Happy FM March 21
Creativity
Being Houseproud
This is something we can all make a difference with. I understand the concerns when people post of rubbish discarded, but if we each put a bit more effort into collecting stray garbage (rather than complaining) our environment would be so much better. That stray cup or wrapper we walk past with censuring thoughts; so easy to pick it up. Take little steps and the outcome can be amazing. …. Rave follows
Having car serviced in Morphett Vale, went for walk, discovered a skate park, rubbish everywhere, fast food stuff, car advertising, mainly. Found a big plastic bag, picked up everything I could find. Put it in the bin – totally filled it. The park remained much cleaner for months. The cleaner a place, the less likely people will discard things, thoughtlessly….
Similar thing at Carrickalinga lookout. Took an hour there and no bin so had to take to Myponga but …
I suggest we adopt the world and think this is a wonderful initiative 😀
Differences
Different but still similar
Speaks loudly of our race
Decrying experience of the other
Knowing that ours is the truth.
Discrimination an important element
A strength of our cognition
Serving purposes that allow
Clear identification and problem solving.
But it becomes a sharp axe
When applied to others
Cutting their ways to pieces
Abrogating responsibility for care.
It takes integrity to support
The right to express a view
That challenges your sense of self
Not fitting within your comfort zone.
Worse still the judgement
You are not worthy if this you believe
Regardless of whether it impacts
On others and their lives.
‘Live and let live’
Seems a very sound rule
But one so difficult to apply
When your truth is so apparent.
Retreat so many do
From the conflict entailed
Avoiding the pain of action
Revelling in the hazy mist.
Others step forward with zeal
Fighting the good fight
Sure that their view will prevail
And their goals will be realised.
Fence sitters are often decried
How can both sides be seen?
Everything must be black and white
Gray a colour not embraced.
And here I sit on that fence
Watching the turmoil evolve
Falling on one side or the other
As the fence violently shakes.
Not a more evolved person
Just an interested observer
In the slapstick of life
The battles never ending.
For far at the soldiers’ rear
Generals, politicians, media moguls,
Religious leaders, and others with motives apparent
Point the weapons and pull the triggers.
So depressing at times
And then a kind act of one to another
Can make the heart truly sing
Restoring faith in a flawed species.
Brian Matthews
29/12/2020
From curried wombat to rendang and doro wat: a brief history of curry in Australia
Originally made with curry powders imported by British colonialists, Australia’s understanding of curry has come a long way.
— Read on theconversation.com/from-curried-wombat-to-rendang-and-doro-wat-a-brief-history-of-curry-in-australia-150370
I wonder if some might enjoy this read 😀
A poem prompted by Christmas get togethers and thinking about how bonds develop
Moods
Moods shift and change
Regardless of what life may bring
Of course, internal and external are connected
But one day brings pain and others sing.
Feelings of purpose can us aid
That things have been accomplished
But some days no outcomes help
The joy and excitement demolished.
Taking ups and downs in our stride
A solution so apparent and strong
Can be so hard to grapple with
When for peace and happiness you long.
The platitudes commonly rolled out
Think of others living in despair
With not enough to eat, no place to sleep
So many people with real issues to repair.
Accepting what is there
Knowing that ups need downs
One day a visage that beams
Another, covered in frowns.
We never know what is next
But one thing can be predicted
That life cannot bring endless peace
And moods so often need to be shifted.
Brian Matthews
5/12/2020
Sam’s 37
The birthday of a son,
No longer a child
And not so for many years,
Brings cause to pause
Reflect on what he’s become.
A husband and father
Of two chips off the block
As are all little ones
Drawing on genetic memory
Aided by the experiences you’d rather.
The curiosity of the child
Morphing into enthusiasm of youth
Facing the challenges of the day
Exploring and contributing
Soon leaving behind the wild.
A child never leaves the heart
Of a parent invested in
The happiness of their offspring
Knowing not what the future brings
But sure that you will be apart.
Life cannot be lived through children
Or grandchildren for a fact
Evolve and develop they surely will
Moving in directions unseen
With motivation from you hidden.
Not because they rail against you,
Though that can be a thing
But more because they need agency,
Different hills and valleys to explore,
So they can have their novel view.
Brian Matthews
21/11/2020
Social Media
twitter.com/matthews51brian/status/1326742243760242688
I think this guy makes a really good point, not that I’m biased 😉
