A little poem for the best Mum in the world, my darling Barbara.

Mother’s Day 2024

I used to agonise on this day
Where to put the apostrophe I say
But then decided that for each 
The day is just for them to reach. 

So, a single apostrophe it is
A little individual kiss
To show that special love
Flying like a pretty dove. 

For all you do for family
Creating that little tree
With branches full of happiness 
And shade for all, no less. 

And the special things you do
About which I have little clue
I thank you from my deepest heart
Without you I’d not know where to start. 

Brian  Matthews 10-5-24

And our local barber, Peter Trabilsie, just retired

The Barber’s Farewell 

A collective sigh
Could be heard
As the news of Peter’s retirement 
Through the district stirred. 

Where will we go now
For our short back and sides
Company and local gossip
As from our women we hides. 

For the barber shop
Was always such a safe place
To share your views
In a welcoming space. 

And some women braved it too
Though sworn to secrecy they are
Never to reveal the men’s business 
Even to those afar. 

But time passes for us all
Our local barber’s retirement is here
So everybody must expect
Bushy headed men far and near. 

Brian Matthews 10-5-24

And finally, an afternoon spent cleaning up leaves prompted this…

Autumnal Ruminations

The leaves are falling
Creating such large piles
But the ground is so dry
At a time when wetness should abound. 

A nervous time for many
The grain farmers wanting to sow
The cattle and sheep farmers
Seeking winter feed for their animals. 

And home gardeners too
Watching their water bills rise
Or watching unwatered flowers
Wilt and fade away. 

While in other parts of our country 
This wide, wide land 
Deluges cover the paddocks
Crops and animals washed away. 

It was always the way
Though things now seem more extreme 
And scientists warn of temperatures rising
More severe and widespread storms. 

Each can take some action
Though much of this is swamped 
By big corporations stripping the soil
Pollution an inevitable consequence. 

Will humankind ever learn?
That balance is the answer
That in taking we must give
Replenishing as well as reaping. 

Practices that are very clear
To old, old cultures
But ignored by the avaricious 
Short sightedness dooming all. 

Here’s hoping that deep within
Our species hold an undisturbed seed
That at the right time will be watered
Creating the paradise we seek. 

Brian Matthews 11-5-24

The last month or so has not been a prolific writing time for me, but here is what I have penned:

What Is and What Will Be

The plasma filtered
Red blood cells returned 
Topped up with saline. 

It feels good to share
The vital fluid of life
A milkshake and party pies my reward. 

Then on to have my feet seen to
Trimming up those nails 
Polishing off gnarled skin. 

The people who do these things
Part of the vital infrastructure 
Catering to Society’s needs. 

And so many more around
Who provide a health service 
That 100 years ago did not exist. 

My mind wanders to the future 
Assuming humankind survives 
What kind of services will We provide?

Upgrading of our bionic chips?
The buffing of our brains?
Renovation of our working parts?

Some things we fail to predict 
Others defy the laws of physics
Patience the only solution. 

I don’t think I’ll be beamed up
At least anytime soon
But the mind can boggle at the options. 

When magic becomes science
All will marvel, at first 
But the wonder will soon dissolve. 

The memory fast disappearing 
As lives are gradually lost
New faces accepting what is there. 

Brian Matthews 4-4-24

Carving a Path

I have my health 
I have my family 
A full life to rejoice. 

Yet life seems full of fog
A murky scene beholden 
The light shaded by my view. 

The lens of one troubled 
Partly by the realities of life
Wars and gratuitous stabbings. 

But more by the lack of joy within 
A failure to see the glimmers of light
Clouds obscuring the glistening. 

We all have down times
Of that we are all aware
Holding back the dark until the sun appears. 

But sometimes it is so hard to do
Bogged down by self created mire
The surrounding joy unappreciated. 

This too shall pass
The mantra always helps
Carve a path back to the light. 

Brian Matthews 19-4-24

A Final Choice 

A phone call comes
A neighbour passed away 
Making his final choice. 

Fortunate to be living in a time
And in a place
Where such a decision can be made. 

For many this is still not a reality 
Due to unfirm mind
Societal or family opposition. 

The slow decline 
Can muddy the waters
Each day just a little worse than the last. 

And some battle bravely 
Gasping for each breath 
Unwilling to leave loved ones. 

One size does not fit all
Especially on this final path
Going who knows where. 

Brian Matthews 19-4-24

A Milestone Reached 

A photo sent to me
Marking an important event
100 times donating blood or plasma. 

About three years ago
I reached the mark of 50
A lifetime of irregular donations. 

And then I realised
That plasma can be given
Much more frequently than blood. 

Having a common blood type
My plasma is more helpful 
To the many needing blood products. 

Apparently only 3% donate
Yet one in three will need it
Such a huge discrepancy. 

So, I’ll do my bit
Thankful that I still can give
Helping others that I do not know. 

Brian Matthews 19-4-24

 Beyond the Haze

A visit to friends
A message from beyond 
Leaves me wondering. 

In modern times we think
That so much is known
Yet huge gaps exist. 

And so it will be
Even a century from now
Questions always remain. 

A veil hangs over all
We get a peek behind it
From time to time. 

Becoming certain of this and that
But even such surety 
Can be swiftly set aside. 

When a novel view is taken
An approach not previously considered 
A neglected lens employed. 

Brian Matthews 1/5/24

What of the future?

The young man said to me
Artificial Intelligence will kill us all
Extinguish all humanity in a dreadful pall. 

How do young people grow with hope
When they’re fed such as this?
No hint of increasing bliss. 

The future is covered
By a heavy veil
But this does not mean we should joy curtail. 

Or refuse to see
Possibilities that show the best
Putting humanity to its hardest test. 

We know that things can improve 
If to the wheel of life we put our shoulders 
Clearing away the detritus and boulders. 

Toxic positivity is not the way
But each of us can carve a path
In which others can take a bath. 

Surrounded by outcomes 
Of those who’ve gone ahead
Creating a better future instead. 

Brian Matthews 6-5-24

Reflections on March

Another month comes to an end 
Full of activities life does send
Gardening and maintenance 
No signs of malfeasance. 

Sailing on the ocean blue
Grandkids to keep us true
To the heart of what is needed 
A love of all that is heeded. 

Isolation is not good for the heart
With other people we must impart 
The joy in the world around us
Over trivia we should not fuss. 

And yet one thing remains true
That inside our fears do stew
Of all in the world that goes wrong
Making it hard to always be strong. 

Writing these words does help
Avoidance of that awful yelp
When a twist in the road ahead 
Makes me want to stay in bed. 

Brian Matthews 28-3-24

Community Events 

A hub of activity 
The Showgrounds today 
Market in one corner 
Car boot sale on the grounds 
Refugee art show in the pavilion. 

People strolling around 
Purchasing this and that
Kid’s drawn by colours
Of a flowing tent
Pondering over the art. 

A nice warm day
Music in the background 
Smiling and talking bubbling 
As friends greet each other 
And share tales of recent events. 

And time drifts along
Changing faces swirl by
Eager faces of the little ones
Curiosity on the older ones 
Engaging with the hanging talent. 

Dogs patiently waiting 
As their owners look here and there
Laughter tinkling gently 
The gentle hum of voices 
The benign flow of community. 

Brian Matthews 30-3-24

Looking to the Future

Lost in time
So many dreams dashed
Positives for the future upended. 

In the 70s the future seemed bright 
World peace just around the corner
People keen to embrace ‘the other’. 

But as time rolled on
The blanket pulled back
To reveal more of the same. 

Each step forward 
Leading to sliding back
Monsters created from the benign. 

And now the old white men talk
Of a past full of joy
Denigrating all that’s new. 

The talk is corrosive 
Stripping away any hope
Of a greener, caring world. 

Pointing to each new development 
Decrying the young for their ignorance 
Mourning the way things once were. 

Where did the youthful enthusiasm go?
Why cannot they see the flaws
That lay everywhere in the past?

I write these words to help me understand 
To create a pathway for the future 
But boulders block the way. 

Rolled out by self interest 
Those who suffer from certainty 
Knowing that only they have the answers. 

I’m left limp and uncertain 
Hopeful that young minds will triumph 
Negative mindsets displaced. 

Brian Matthews 1-4-24

Ashlea’s 38

Another birthday looms
To be here and then gone
Joyful words spoken and shared
The lust for life not spared. 

And in your smile all can see
How happy in your skin you are
Though with your share of trouble beset
On coping with this all can bet. 

I hope that in the coming year
Your wishes become what you want
Though rarely does life roll out
Without the odd stinging clout. 

But pleased I am to share your love
To see you build both family and career
Battling with each daily challenge 
Tasks and duties you skilfully arrange. 

A focus that I much admire
Chipping away at all to be done
Always remembering life’s true purpose
Relationships and love in surplus. 

Brian Matthews 2-4-24

Mother Nature 

A burst of very hot weather 
Though Autumn has come
Then the temperature recalibrates. 

From 40 plus into the teens
And now with a smattering of rain
The land breathes a sigh of relief.

The weather always a mystery 
No matter the season
And, it seems, more so of late. 

Always a talking point 
Boring the young
Until they come of age. 

A shared experience for all
No matter where we are
Nor our wealth and status. 

Though the wealthy can enjoy
The respite they can afford 
The less well off more at risk. 

Mother nature rules the roost 
Lays down the limits
And we all must conform. 

Brian Matthews 14-3-24

Todd’s 44

Another day it did come
The birthday of my second son
Someone often admired by others
Avoiding things that joy smothers. 

He came into this world full of it
An energy that creates a bullet
To shoot down that he doesn’t favour 
So that life he can truly savour. 

Admired for the way he grasps
The pleasure in the simple tasks
And as he surveys all around 
Manages to find the firmest ground. 

I’m sure he has some dark, dark nights 
Full of fear and dreadful sights 
For nobody lives without a concern
And things for which our heart does yearn. 

But through it all he has clambered 
Up Kilimanjaro he has meandered
Taking in sights most won’t see
Getting to where he wants to be. 

His life will have the ups and downs
Events that cause so many frowns
But through the lens that he does look
Life becomes an open book. 

And to read this he won’t refrain
Daring each challenge to his brain
Embracing those for whom he cares
Shoulder to the loads he bears. 

Brian Matthews 19-3-24

Discovery 

Take in the joy and light
Leave behind the dark of night
Embrace again the newborn day
Or else in bed you’ll stay. 

A mantra helps me I find
When about life I don’t feel kind
For surrounding us here and there
Is so much love for us to share. 

The little dog by its owner trots
Checking out the usual spots 
Such excitement he does show
Exploring what I do not know. 

But time he does always find 
To check the smells, exercise his mind
And lessons teach his owner now
To wipe away that troubled brow. 

Would that we all could learn from a pet
How to avoid life’s troubled net
Looking wide eyed all around 
Not just noticing the bumpy ground. 

And rejoice in all that we can enjoy
Not slavering after that next toy
Living life to its full
Ignoring all the cock and bull. 

Brian Matthews 19-3-24

R.I.P. Liz

It feels so strange
When those known for years
Pass away, just like that. 

People who have occupied space
In our lives and thoughts 
But then are no more. 

The ultimate end for us all
That we all know
Yet the blow is always fresh. 

Striking through a phone call
Or a brief message
A reminder that mortality stalks us all. 

We grieve for those left behind
Knowing that the deeper the love
The more traumatising the grief. 

Remembering the person’s smile 
Her distinctive laugh
The way she carried herself. 

Brought together by chance
A student then a friend
And ultimately a colleague. 

A person with a good heart
A deep, deep warmth
And joy in all she saw. 

Many will miss you
Aghast at the news
Living on in their memories. 

Rest In peace, dear Liz
For you have made your mark
Blessed the souls of so many. 

Brian Matthews 8-3-24

A tidy little town

A tidy little town, Minlaton,
Main street with shops
Pub and Post Office included 
Even still has a Bank SA.

Though talk of it going soon
Large vacant shopfronts 
Amongst a range of thriving businesses 
Possibly casualties of the pandemic. 

But, most country areas struggle 
Cost of living increasing 
Jobs replaced by machinery
Young people dreaming of the cities. 

Such a Mecca these places would be
For so many people displaced 
Running from war or famine
Seeking a safe place to be. 

More population creating work
Providing destinations for city folk
Jaded by the density of their living
Seeking fresh air and space to breathe it. 

But even with more liberal governance 
The parochialism and fear abide
Treating people with little compassion 
Setting hurdles too high to scale. 

Forgetting that most came here
To escape the shackles of elsewhere 
Creating an enviable lifestyle 
Trampling on those already here. 

Lacking is both memory and vision
The fact the land was wrested from others
The possibilities for more equity ahead 
A future in which all could win. 

But profit seems supreme
Trampling on social capital 
Ignoring synergies that could exist
Depth in developing community bonds. 

The statue of a local hero
Watches over all around 
People shop, drink coffee and mingle
Life goes on and children laugh. 

Skirting all the existential questions 
Highlighting the momentum of living 
Capturing each and everyone 
Propelling us into the future unbidden. 

Brian Matthews 4-3-24

Variability 

Thunderstorm activity nearby
The little dog paces
Such worry in his face. 

Wrapping his lead around all
Moving back and forth 
Panting as though he’s run a mile. 

Rain falls not far away
Beyond the nearby ranges
But none of that here. 

The weather so variable 
In this very dry country
Rarely any certainty. 

A harsh place for those on the land
Not surprising that they diversify 
Part of their place becomes a campsite. 

Holiday makers from the city 
Enjoying the bush and the wildlife 
Amongst the huge old gums. 

Then the rain makes it here
The petrichor surrounds us
All breathe a sigh of relief. 

Brian Matthews 1-3-24

A humorous mistake prompted this one…

Sayings 

Oh, made that mistake 
Pinch & Punch first day of the month 
And it’s February 29th. 

A funny little ritual 
Like many others 
Sayings we use to fill a void. 

It’s a hard life but someone has to do it!
Hot enough for ya?
A few that bounce around the park. 

Social niceties important 
All part of emotional intelligence 
Smoothing our way through life. 

Not wanting to appear abrupt 
Or worse indifferent 
Ignoring is a powerful weapon. 

Early impressions are important 
At times, hard to overcome 
And only with much effort. 

So most of us learn 
To put our best foot forward 
Obscuring our tainted side. 

This, of course, we all have
The only recipe for ongoing success 
Practising kindness ‘ere we can. 

Brian Matthews 29-2-24

My poetry has faltered in recent times but trips away provide grist for the mill:

Holiday Spot 

A chorus of galahs
Fill the skies with cries
And then all is calm
Bar the odd squawk. 

A pleasant breeze blows
Diminishing the heat a little 
All quiet except the sounds
Of nature all around us. 

Dogs snapping at flies 
It’s not Australia without them
Every pleasant spot
Has its downside. 

Time to relax
And leave behind 
All the little worries 
Most of the minor chores. 

Brian Matthews 27-2-24

Spear Creek 

Summer’s almost over
Creeping toward March
But nobody told Spear Creek SA. 

Over 40 at times yesterday 
Didn’t get below 30 overnight 
And today hotter still. 

At the bottom of the Flinders Ranges
Usually dry and warmer than down South
Until the skies intermittently open. 

Long spells between the deluges
Officially desert country really 
Wet weather both wanted and feared. 

The birds chatter cheerfully 
Dogs and people lounge in the shade
Activity kept to a minimum. 

Such a beautiful setting 
Huge gum trees crowded around
Hinting at the water source below. 

Hills crouching behind the campsite 
Looking toward the distant sea
Remembering when it covered all around. 

Brian Matthews 28-2-24

Many people struggle with depression, something almost everyone experiences from time to time, but for some it can become a heavy and constant burden.

Thinking about this in the context of people I love and my own experience, I wrote a poem. I am fine, by the way, but my heart grieves for those who aren’t

Depression 

Depression, a fearful beast
That takes away the joy in life
And makes you feel your least. 

No simple solution does exist
For each and everyone 
As our lives it does twist. 

For some a feeling that does fade
With each passing day
Overcome by little steps made. 

But others struggle mightily to keep it at bay
And no matter the turns they take
The illness makes them pay. 

As one of these I struggled long
With one strategy, then another 
Finally choosing a little tablet to help make me strong. 

Other things are needed too
Choices to engage with life
Friends and family to help you through. 

But there is no shame in this
A little orange tablet for some
To help recapture life’s bliss. 

And get out there resolutely 
To see what you may find
All those who love you absolutely. 

And the joy in each smile
And the laughter that you hear
Helping you to go that extra mile. 

Brian Matthews 15-1-24

And a little poem I found that resonated with me: