Sam, the 3rd of my 4 sons, is a truly lovely young man (38) with a wife and 2 children who is dying from peritoneal cancer. His bowel is almost totally obstructed and he hasn’t eaten much in a week. Can’t drink either. Yesterday, Sam said “I’m not going to just sit here waiting to die” and went surfing with the help of some friends and his wife. You gotta admire his guts
Losing Yourself
A common thing to do
Losing yourself in fiction
Maybe a good book
A TV series or movie.
Sometimes it’s a time-killer
Others a mask for pain
Living for a time so brief
Disconnected from harsh reality.
Fantastic plots flow steadily
From creative minds the globe around
People who take the little and big
Shaping these into entertainment.
Behind the smoke and mirrors
The world continues to spin
The mundane slowly unfolding
Amidst too many unwanted endings.
But all will gradually appear
Time never static
Laughing and peals of joy
Despair and buckets of tears.
From strong emotions we hide
When our frail vessel shudders
Seeking more palatable possibilities
Or just enjoying the game of it all.
Once roving storytellers filled this need
Now books and streaming services provide
The human need for alternative stories
Ever present in our makeup.
Brian Matthews, 30-4-22
A Delightful Spot
A campsite cleared
A swamp hen foraging
Another joins it
Maybe small scraps left
And then there are three
Too much foraging for scraps
Maybe insects come to the surface
Under protection of tents.
An area full of bird life
Shallow water and reeds
For safety and breeding frogs
And other creatures birds eat.
Such a delightful spot
Overlooking the quiet waters
Houses nestled nearby
Caravan park surveying all.
Now five swamp hens
Diligently working the ground
Bird calls all around
Swooshing of a car nearby.
Adults reading in the sun
Dogs seeking the shade
Resting after morning walks
Another person strolling by.
No jarring sounds now
Mowing having ceased
A pleasant gentle breeze
Soothing all troubles away.
Brian Matthews, 10-5-22
Alexa’s Twelve
Another year passed
Now at the end of the tweens
Still a young girl
But a young woman soon.
I remember the little bundle
Held carefully in my arms
The smiles and gurgles
The laughs and the cries.
But time overtakes all
Growth spurts shooting forth
The language developing
The personality unfolding.
Now cartwheels aplenty
Conversation tripping forth
Interests ever growing
Friendships carefully nurtured.
I wish you a happy year
Full of joyful exploration
Surrounded by love
Seeking life’s path.
Brian Matthews, 11-5-22
Seeking peace
The stomach churns
The mind won’t settle
The mood so flat.
How to find a place
Of comfort and joy
Seems an impossible task.
Yet it should not be so
Surrounded by those I love
Grandchildren waiting to play.
Shake yourself firmly
Take a step forward
I say to myself.
Spectres lurking in the mist
Of a mind overwrought with pain
Fearing a future unwanted.
It does little good to catastrophise
But it seems so hard to not
Emotions respond poorly to logic.
A way ahead needed
No one can help with this
Kind words poor comfort.
So many in this world
Worse off and suffering
Yet I churn in pain.
It seems so self-indulgent
And writing this helps
Lifts my mood a little.
While my grandchildren play
Quietly drawing and colouring
In their own way aware.
Waiting for Pop to settle
Engaging themselves in a task
Knowing I will return.
Brian Matthews, 21/5/22
Friends and Family
Such a special time
Visits from family
Or long-standing friends.
The latter so often
More like family than friends
Shared history so important.
Memories cheerfully shared
Of happenings so long ago
Events that tie and bind.
New memories being created
At this time now shared
Special meals a common bond.
Talk of relationships unknown
Clarifying the how and where
Filling in important pieces.
And then the time to go comes
Sadly joyful moments these
Hopeful that all will meet again.
Knowing that whatever happens
These are special people
Who celebrate and validate.
Farewell to our special visitors
May your travels go well
Our futures firmly intertwined.
Brian Matthews, 23/5/22
Living Hell
Life throws curve balls
Of that we can be sure
A straightforward trajectory
Converted into something much trickier.
And for those living these times
It can truly feel like living hell,
Expecting a particular path
But swerves and bumps appear.
Asking so many questions
But the answers remain unclear
Mapping a way ahead carefully
Only to run into the undergrowth.
Platitudes trip off our tongues
To help others accept this vagary
Sounding very hollow to those
Who live this experience.
And yet battle on we must
Waving a white flag not the answer
Though times do come
When there is no other option.
For now those most affected
Modify goals to avoid potholes
Band together for support
Hoping for a better outcome.
Brian Matthews, 28/5/22
The Joy Within
We often need to be reminded
Of the joy within
When the days are darkest
Slivers of light do appear.
There can be no pleasure
When there is never pain
Rejoice in the glimmers we must
Even when these are quickly extinguished.
A smile glows in the darkness
A laugh expands the heart
People play in the sun
Though clouds loom on the horizon.
As humans we search for reasons
Though these do not always appear
Some events seemingly random
Trite answers we need to abandon.
Words are often used to fill the holes
Created by chance
An attempt to gain meaning
In the face of bitterness.
Shouting at the clouds rarely helps
Other than venting some emotions
But, at times, it’s all you can do
This we see and universally accept.
Then, maybe, in those little things
We can for a moment rejoice
Reminded that all is not dark
A glow still exists for us all.
Brian Matthews, 28/5/22
“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt
This resonated with me because I have asked so many people in difficult situations, and heard others ask this too, “I don’t understand how you are managing to cope with this” and the reply is always something like “what’s the alternative?”
Of course, there is an alternative, collapse in a blubbering heap and, sometimes this happens but usually it is brief and maybe cathartic. Inevitably, people take the next step, and then the next, and, before they know it, they’re taking some sort of action.
It’s called Human Resilience and, while malevolent forces may crush this, any small window and a flame of hope will be fanned again.
Winter Comes
Another winter comes around
Leaves scattered on the ground
Rain coming in waves
Wind swirling in the eaves.
Darker the days will get yet
Of that there can be no bet
The cold chilling the bones
The stomach churning full of stones.
And as the ground absorbs the water
The sun peeks through to tease each daughter
Sons, mothers and fathers too
Each wrapping up as all will do.
And the Earth keeps revolving
All who live on her constantly evolving
Knowing that in the not distant future
New life will come ever so pure.
The turn of the seasons is a sign
That life continues so benign
The cold and rain so sorely needed
Prayers for this thankfully heeded.
Where would we be if all was fine
If never, ever there came a time
When gloom so regularly appeared
To be rejoiced not feared.
For in but a few months we know
Plants will bud and fruits will grow
And the age-old cycle will once more
Show coldness out the door.
Brian Matthews, 30/5/22
It is always such a joy to have visits from friends or family. Some friends are much like family with lengthy histories and tales to share. Having just had such a visit from friends of my wife’s family, I wrote this short poem:
Friends and Family
Such a special time
Visits from family
Or long-standing friends.
The latter so often
More like family than friends
Shared history so important.
Memories cheerfully shared
Of happenings so long ago
Events that tie and bind.
New memories being created
At this time now shared
Special meals a common bond.
Talk of relationships unknown
Clarifying the how and where
Filling in important pieces.
And then the time to go comes
Sadly joyful moments these
Hopeful that all will meet again.
Knowing that whatever happens
These are special people
Who celebrate and validate.
Farewell to our special visitors
May your travels go well
Our futures firmly intertwined.
Brian Matthews, 23/5/22
A Kick in the Guts
Life never stops
The days go on
Things enjoyable and not
The pages turn.
We occupy ourselves
With that we need to do
And many things we choose
But some are actively avoided.
Thinking about your illness
Is something I avoid, my son
A phenomenon I can’t control
Best left to those who may.
A friend’s well-meant question
Brings all to the fore
Disallows the dense fog
Surrounding my feelings.
Like a kick in the guts
The question is received
Brief information given
Heart exploding with pain.
Realisation at the forefront
Even those who may control this
Reaching the end
Building barriers that, seemingly, will fall.
Sadness envelops me
A postcard from a school trip found
So many memories built
Knowing in these we must rejoice.
My soul feels ragged and torn
Knowing that you and your spouse
Have nowhere to hide from the pain
Doing your best to soldier on.
For many who care this is sad
But having lives to live move on
Hoping things will get better
Not staring into the abyss.
Comforting words can help
If only to show sincere concern
While bravely you the future face
Using all of your emotional reserves.
I send my deepest love
Knowing how deep this blade penetrates
Unable to shield you and your family
Cocooning you poorly.
Brian Matthews, 21/4/22
Trees
On a quiet country track
Walking, sitting, looking
Surrounded by trees
Straggly and twisted mostly.
A quiet time of day,
The afternoon so still
Before the birds seek their roosts
Sheep grazing, the occasional roo.
But trees dominate the landscape
Some small, others towering
Interspersed with bushes
Grasses and the odd flower.
Overhead on this cloudy day
The sun glints through
Ready to warm all
Breathe life into the trees.
In each whorl of their skin
Another year reflected
Some continued for many seasons
Others having much shorter spans.
A jumble of words
Cannot really do justice
To the nature of trees
The senses absorb their variety.
Some places these do not grow
High altitudes and dry land
Like our famous Nullarbor
Or on tundras of ice.
It pleases me that
Outside my door
I can see the trees
Breathe the air produced.
Brian Matthews, 22/4/22
The Nothing Box
A wife says to her man
What are you thinking?
As he reclines on the couch
“Oh, nothing” he says.
A tale retold around the world
Of that I am fairly certain
For most men it seems to me
Have a Nothing Box to retreat.
A place where thoughts swirl
But do not solidly coalesce
Where worries sit on the fringe
Unable to pierce the fog.
While loving spouses circle
Wanting their men to ‘open up’
Fearful of the damaging effects
Of bottling things up.
This is not really gender defined
As women too can attest
Holding feelings to their chest
Keeping others at bay.
But men socialised so often
To hide their deep emotions
Make a habit of this
And it can eat at their core.
But, I celebrate the Nothing Box
Use it judiciously I say
Retreat from the worries
Recharge for another day.
Brian Matthews, 22/4/22
I borrowed the term Nothing Box from Mark Gungor, Pastor and motivational speaker
From a distance
From a distance
It may often seem
Things are much calmer
Than those close deem.
Sail boats gliding
Over a tranquil sea
While the sailors battle
As much as can be.
A metaphor for life
A statement of fact
Some seeing the obvious
Others a different tack.
Up close in this world
We see warts and all
From far far away
There is no urgent call.
But when we hear the cries
And see the falling tears
It becomes so so apparent
That life has many fears.
Close observation makes
So much clearer to the eye
Thus politicians obfuscate
So their message we’ll buy.
Seeing the big picture
A statement so often used
To cover the reality
Of people being abused.
Whether they be refugees
In cells or hotel rooms contained
Or those born in poverty
Breeding behaviour poorly restrained.
Surveyed from afar
Emotions can be distanced
But if it affects those we love
Such travesties are not tolerated.
Empathy for others
So often needed
To understand the confusion
Show the message we have heeded.
Brian Matthews, 18-4-22
Reflections Aplenty
Talking about this and that
Some of it not easy
The illness kept at bay
But it seems not indefinitely.
Other conversations about the past
Sharing amusing anecdotes
Stories of children aplenty
Family and friends too.
These times are to be celebrated
Together mapping our lives
Reinforcing important connections
Discussing future hopes and fears.
Blessed I am to have so much
Though challenges hard to embrace
But confront these we must
Together we move ahead.
I fear the disease’s path
Now discomfort and pain
Good times there are now
Future prospects less encouraging.
While I quietly reflect
And he rests as needed
The anxiety ever present
As forward we move.
I value these times
Knowing the road ahead
Seeing the little boy still
Enjoying the time and stories.
I still rail against the injustice
Knowing that his life will end
Wanting this not to be so
Still hoping for a miracle.
A young man so full of life
Body being wastefully damaged
By an illness so severe
And yet he smiles and laughs.
Brian Matthews, 29/4/22
Over the lagoon
The reeds bend
In the gentle breeze
Calm, slightly rippled water beyond.
A peaceful place
Caravans and tents dotted around
Much relaxing happening.
Magpies looking for a feed
Carroling when found
Prancing on the ground.
Conversations here and there
Strollers passing with their dog
People enjoying their time.
A BBQ cooked for lunch
Snags and onions
Common, tasty fare.
Lounging in the sun after
An early, cold beer imbibed
A poem penned yet again.
Brian Matthews, 9/5/22
Picard Season 2 Episode 6
Sir Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard
Written by Jane Maggs
I found that even in the darkest circumstances there is a light. Sometimes only a glimmer. Trust that light. Find a way back, no matter what it takes.
Timing So Cruel
It’s hard to believe
Life can be so unjust
Another brother gone
My wife appalled.
Mortality rears its head
As it surely must
For all must tread this path
No matter who they are.
But sometimes fate determines
A gruelling schedule of events
Not allowing some to recover
Before the next blow falls.
Little can be done
To make those sorely affected
Achieve an even keel
Waves slamming them.
Eventually a calm will settle
Time all wounds heal
Scars run deep though
Reminding of those lost.
Brian Matthews, 25-3-22
Precious Moments
Time spent with loved ones
Can be so precious
Some more so than others
But every moment important.
We never know what will be
Which times will be remembered
And which will disappear
Our capacity to recall limited.
Sometimes someone will say
Remember, you told me this
And you just might think
Did I say that, am I so wise?
Rarely will others remind you
Of foolish things said
Though silly things done
Can become a family legend.
It is a real privilege
To share innermost thoughts
Not knowing when the chance
Will happen by again.
Usually we all assume
There’s plenty of time
To do it all again
Until there’s not.
Brian Matthews, 25/3/22
Despondency
I wish that I could be
As full of life
As once I was.
At this moment though
That is not to be
Surrounded by despondency.
Just one of those cycles
I try to convince myself
But there’s more than that.
Pressure to make a decision
One not wanted
The bright side of life elusive.
I do not want to be here
I’ve had enough
Just let me be life.
I’ve been here before
I know all will change soon
But for now I despair.
Brian Matthews, 1-4-22
Yoga with Hannah
Breathing in and out
Moving parts of the body
Making such stylised movements
Clearing the mind.
Yoga not for everyone
And in the past I felt
Like a pat routine
But now it helps.
A very good instructor
Evolving the process
Adjusting the moves
Adapting to the group.
Movement so important
To those of all ages
Ageing such a challenge
Faced by all in time.
Being proactive important
To meet bodily changes
Overcoming creeping inertia
The body no longer as willing.
Refreshed I always feel
At testing the limits
Clearing the mind
Encouraging more flexibility.
Thankful I am
For her open face
Radiating warmth and acceptance
Soothing words a balm.
Brian Matthews, 5/4/22
Loneliness
Loneliness can be complex
Not just sitting alone
So often a mindset
Related to choices.
If we choose to be alone
It can be such a joy
If not a choice
It can be so painful.
Most tend to turn
From the neediness
Of someone begging
For a little company.
But for those sensitive
To the pain of others
It is a signal
That action’s needed.
Just a little time
A chat, a coffee
Some shared experience
Can be such a comfort.
For we never know
When the need will emerge
For time with others
A balm to our soul.
It takes so little
And can mean so much
To be seen
To be truly heard.
Brian Matthews, 10-4-22
Curmudgeon Creep
It catches most I think
That tendency to reject
That which has become fashionable.
The young full of vim
Certain of what they know
Disparaging of older demographics.
It happens to you
And to me
And it will to them.
But frustrating it can be
When you think ‘like what’?
That makes no sense.
Fillers in language
Are common to all
At times so redundant.
‘Actually’ a case in point
‘Literally’ used too frequently
And often inappropriately.
But beware of being perceived
As a member of the ‘Language Police’
For words are never static.
Morph and change they do
A term for illness
Redefined as praise.
Technology creating more
‘Swipe Right’ we must
And accept these changes.
Brian Matthews, 17-2-22
Headlines
Such a shock to read
‘Dying dad’s dreams for children’
Amidst so many other dire headlines
But closer to his parents’ hearts.
His Mum sends a clipping photo
I pull over to access the message
Thinking my wife has another shopping request
Instead this smotes my eye and heart.
A balanced human interest tale
Some inaccuracies but nothing huge
But that headline drags me down
Uncovers despair so carefully hidden.
Hiding from the world’s horrors
Commonplace for me now
Flooding beyond belief,
Bombs falling on the innocent again.
This headline tears at me
Removing carefully constructed barriers
Reminding me of the odds against him
The battle far from won.
Remembering the little boy
With so many dreams and hopes
‘A glass half full’ type of person
Faced now with ravaged landscape.
And yet he battles on
Hiding that which might concern us
A heavy burden for his loving wife
Dealing with the daily slog.
Grief, a major downside of love
Uncertainty, aggravating this no end
For her the road so bumpy
Shaken to her core but on she goes.
As family and friends stand by
Little to do that can help
But unlike most headlines
Turning away is not possible.
Brian Matthews, 3-3-22
A Friend’s Concern
Phone call from a friend
Reminding not all is well
With his health
And flooded city.
His call to check on me
Hearing news of my son
His travails and prospects
Not cause to wave flags.
It is heartening
That people see beyond themselves
Worrying about friends distant
When for them far from ideal.
There is little more we can often do
Than show our concern for others
Empathising with their plight
Listening to their troubles.
But how important this is
To show our love
And that we’ve not forgotten
The ties that bind so deeply.
In a plague ridden world
Full of pain and military atrocities
The compassionate hearts beat still
Heads rear above the parapets.
The human spirit soars
Even through floods and war
Individuals seek each other out
Comfort given is comfort received.
Brian Matthews, 7-3-22
Sitting Quietly
Here I sit quietly
Listening to wind chimes
And the whoosh of the air
The crisp patter of dog claws.
Never is all silent
Nor everywhere still
Motion the universal entity
All vibrating until absolute zero.
And where does that exist?
In the vastness of space for sure,
The vacuum enveloping all
But still stars bleed warming light.
And I just sit here
With the luxury of naught to do
Contemplating a growing navel
Thoughts whirling endlessly.
Knowing that the respite is brief
That soon complex issues will rise
Challenging the peace again
Ensuring I don’t turn to stone.
Brian Matthews, 8/3/22
Another Loss
The axe falls again
News of another loss
Another pall descends.
Grief seems a magnet
For other ills
Attracting the worst.
I watch my dearest
Reel yet again
Her heart so sad.
Uplifting news needed
But all seems soiled
Blown in on a bitter wind.
Little good does it do
To remind of the cycle of life
When loss seems so pervasive.
We know new life will come
Different joys to explore
While the shadows overwhelm us.
We wait for the sun to rise
To throw its rays our way
Reminding us of these joys.
Brian Matthews, 10-3-22
People Gather
When tragedy hits
The people gather,
To lend a hand
To listen to a tale,
To share food and music.
We are social creatures
Creating communities here and there,
Shaping these groups
Into sound bases
For emotional support.
Yesterday I viewed this
Close at Hand
A community supporting
Music, song and celebration
So many kind hearts.
A talented musician
Travels so far
As do many family
And close friends
The children play and dance.
Blessed I am I think
To have a son so humble and caring
And a community that polishes that shine
Both in their words
And so many deeds.
And some adults dance too
All uplifted by their part
A chance to see and be seen
All enjoy the song and good cheer
And the happy memories made.
Brian Matthews, 14/3/22
Dedicated to:
Another Day
And now the weather
Remindful of Queensland
Humidity so high
Sweat drips easily.
Not surprising now
After so much rain
Sun peeking around the clouds
Heating the land.
A good day for the beach
But work beckons
Then tired from the effort
And other tasks call.
So often that happens
A perfect day present
But other things compete
Go with the flow we must.
If truth be told
A beach day possible
But that would allow
Too much time to think.
Occupying self important
When worries lurk
Even though we know
Action can these avert.
Not that the problems disappear
For some things cannot
But taking a step
Sometimes soothes emotions.
When the step instead
Turns to a stumble
At least the effort made
That will have to suffice.
So let’s talk weather
A neutral topic
Always available and free
To be shared with others.
Brian Matthews, 24-1-22
Another Anniversary
Another anniversary it is
The 22nd this time
How have things changed
Since the last?
Considerably more turmoil
Loss of siblings for both
And a mother farewelled
A son sorely afflicted.
Limped on we have
Relationship straining too often
Sharing not enough
Bows drawn in angst.
Life’s constant challenge
Shapes us sorely
And yet we survive
No other option clear.
I’ve loved you another year
And felt the love from you
Fragments of this
Buried deep in both.
No matter what the future holds
I think we both embrace
Dreams of better times
Songs we both can share.
Sharing our concerns
Must be the way ahead
In solitude little is learned
I choose you instead.
Brian Matthews, 27/1/22
A Nice Change
Away on a holiday
A change of scene
Camping yet again
More prepared now.
Near the Murray
A pleasant camping site
Now that school holidays over
A much quieter space.
A cosy, cosy tent
A screen tent as well
More space than before
And friends to share with.
Cooler than planned
But warming soon
A strange summer
La Niña I’m told.
Walks and talks
Meals and conversations
Eating under the sky
To bed so early.
It makes a nice change
From the usual routines
Feeds the wanderlust
Refreshes the spirit.
Reminds us of the comfort
Of our lovely home
And gives chances to look
At sights that never grow old.
The Murray is in my blood
As near its banks I was born
Pelicans soaring above
A punt to cross its cloudy waters.
In its waters I first ventured
Before a beach I even saw
Swam across it in my youth
Though not tempted to now.
A week away it seems
A good idea for us
Both keen for a break
And to enjoy simple pleasures.
Brian Matthews, 2-2-22
Soothing Sounds
All asleep bar me
But heading that way soon
Mainly silence in this spot
Occasional bird and insect noise.
But soft snoring on my left
And from the camp on my right
Enjoying the stereophonic effect
A relaxing sound for me.
An occasional vehicle rumbles
On the road nearby
Distant sounds of the punt
Operational all night.
As I prepare to sleep
Disrobing in a soft light
Careful not to disturb
My purring wife and dog.
And then settling in
Wriggling to find that sweet spot
Thoughts flitting around
Drifting into deep sleep.
And then the silence absolute
As into dreamland I drift
A kick of the legs
As the body relaxes.
Before I know it
Sounds start again
The birds heralding the day
Early risers pottering around.
And up to face the day
Little on the agenda
Some reading and walking
Maybe some water play.
This is the life
Away from the usual demands
The pressure cooker vents
And leaves a settling rhythm.
Brian Matthews, 6-2-22
Better News
So better news it is
At last treatment having effect
All so relieved
Battle front shifted forward.
We all know though
The fight still ongoing
Left with fatigue and nausea
Restrictions on daily life.
Some light from tunnel’s end
A long distance travelled
Still further to go
But flames of hope fanned.
Fingers and toes crossed
Hoping for that day
When experts smile
At treatment’s success.
Brian Matthews, 6-2-22
Fun for All
Wind seemingly ever present
Though lulls do occur
Warmth in a stiff breeze
Too hot in the sun.
Water activities in the offing
A kayak in the river
Tipping seems inevitable
And the spluttering to follow.
But all will be in fun
Laughing part of the deal
Engaging with the elements
Enjoying the sun that shines.
We never really grow up
But older we surely get
Fewer risks taken
The body not as agile.
But fun can be had
No matter the age
Goalposts gradually shifting
Sights slightly lowered.
Brian Matthews, 6-2-22
Reminders
Extended our holiday
Enjoying the serenity
Not reminded of duties
Satisfying selves all there is.
Strange it seems to me
That in the comfort of home
Reminders always exist
Of chores necessary.
A different place
Strangers all around
Places new and revisited
A novel type of peace.
But pressures do mount
Gradually but surely
Reminding self that some chores
Are things we want to do.
A break is always good
Removing one from routines
Reminding of the joy there is
In the little things in life.
Brian Matthews, 11-2-22
Changes
Some changes are good
With many we’re torn
Remembering how it was
Not long after we were born.
Of some things, of course
We can be so sure
That things will move on
Motives not always so pure.
These features of life
Never remain still
Though some of the movement
Regret we truly will.
But the pendulum swings
Back and still forth
Until old things become new
Human nature such a force.
The older I get
The more I’m bemused
Better I suppose
Than being confused.
Brian Matthews, 12-2-22
The Ceiling Fan
The ceiling fan
Just hanging around
Gathering dust and cobwebs
Little used though new year near.
How must it feel
Despairing at its lack of use
Awaiting inevitable discomfort
The need to relieve the heat felt.
It had one job
And nature glitches
Throwing a real curve ball
Delaying eventual engagement.
Brian Matthews- 27-12-21
To the Beach
Down at the beach
Families flocking to the water
The day hot and humid
Clouds taking the bite from the sun.
All ages mingled
Teenagers strut on the pontoon
Children and elders in the shallows
Kayaks litter the beach.
All having fun
Sandcastles rising steadily
A frisbee flies overhead
Many lounging and reading.
Blessed we are in this land
With sandy beaches aplenty
Just waiting for the days to warm
And schools to close.
And between these busy times
Long stretches of sand
With nary a person seen
Solitude a balm for the spirit.
The steady move of the water
Dolphins feeding and playing
Dog walkers regular users
Scattering the seagulls.
Large bodies of water
A magnet for all ages
A balm for jagged nerves
And the energy of youth.
Brian Matthews, 12-1-22
Endless Questions
The mind swirls
With little to engage it
Things to do, of course,
A family visit soon.
A day at the beach coming
Watching children play
Testing the cool water
Digging and splashing.
But endless questions float
Bounced around by experience
Challenging my contemplation
No answers emerging.
How soon will it be
That a clear picture emerges
A future landscape mapped
Hills and troughs emerging?
There are some times
When all seems a haze
Shapes ahead formless
Fear gripping the heart.
Knowing that tomorrow
May change this all
As answers emerge
The scene completed.
Brian Matthews, 10-1-22
Hidden Treasures
A drive through the country
Some so very familiar
But now in unknown territory
So close but not seen before.
Morning tea with friends
A tour of a lush property
A quirky house
Such beautiful gardens.
How many paradises lurk?
Hidden from constant view
Occupants feasting on privacy
Occasionally sharing with others.
No two the same
Each following the whims
Of those who own them
Their interests the focus.
But all enjoy I think
Showing what’s created
Little pieces of themselves
Shining brightly through.
And always plans for more
Ideas of more additions
Changes in the landscape
Refining the dwellings.
Paradise so rarely static
Changes invigorate all
New scenarios develop
Tumbling from fertile minds.
Brian Matthews, 12-1-22
The Beach Again
Only yesterday here
With other grandchildren
This day sun blazing
And more breeze.
Shelters haphazardly spread
Across the sand
No space underneath the jetty
Filled with loungers and children playing.
Many more in the water
A cool escape from the heat
A kite surfer active
Others floating and swimming.
The sand castles ever present
Laughing children abound
Their elders admiring
The energy of youth.
But all ages benefitting
From the relief given
By the cooling water
And the rhythm it contains.
The time to leave
Comes quickly it seems
As other needs intrude
And the trip home begins.
Not without treasures found
Amongst the fine white sand
Pretty shells and rocks
Remindful of the day of pleasure.
Brian Matthews, 12-1-22
Brian’s Reflections 