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The New Year Comes 

The year draws to an end 
What messages to others should we send?
What 2024 to us has brought 
And what in 2025 is sought. 

Another year ends as it must 
Let’s hope the next we can trust
To bring more equity to all
That those with too much hear the call. 

From those who have too little to eat
Or no roof over their heads to take a seat
So many who from hatred and violence hide
Let’s stand by them and take their side. 

The billionaires continue to count their money
Oblivious to those who can afford no honey 
It baffles many to see the heinous greed
When so many others are in dire need. 

Most of us have a little that we can spare
For others who have nothing to share
So, while most cannot provide a laden table
Let’s aim to offer whatever we are able. 

Brian Matthews 31-12-24

Growing old….

Almost 4 months without a post! My head has not been in the best of places and my poetry has been almost nonexistent as I struggle with feelings that my writing is self indulgent crap and thoughts that I should not assume that others might be interested.

But when the inspiration to write emerges, it is hard to resist and I remind myself that I write primarily for my own joy and, I guess, by definition that is self indulgence, so here are poems I have not yet put out there on my blog:

Life’s Lessons 

A lesson in patience 
A part ordered 
But delivery drags on. 

In these days of instant gratification 
Probably not a bad thing 
To appreciate your place in the queue. 

Difficult to understand 
With the line of trucks
Heading out from each City. 

But supply chains can be fragile 
An explosion on a major highway 
Weather events beyond control. 

A glimmer of hope appears 
Notification of delivery due
But not clear if one is ours. 

And we wait again
Garry the pigeon watching 
We hold our breath in anticipation. 

Brian Matthews 6-9-24

Reflecting on my Mum

So, today Mum would’ve been 97
Here it is what she would have called ‘muggy’
Warm and humid. 

Thus is Cairns in early Spring 
Lovely weather for most
Though many prefer it drier. 

On this warm evening I reflect
Thinking of my Mum
Gone more than three years now. 

She seemed to want the end
Though often very ambivalent 
The need to live ingrained in us all. 

She gave much to so many
Ignoring her needs to help others
The pettiness of her final days not her. 

On balance a heroine 
Helping others most of her life
In the end, frustrated by her lack of independence. 

We all want to die with dignity 
As we hoped to have lived
But not all wishes are met. 

Brian  Matthews 10-9-24

What roads provide 

On the road again tomorrow
A series of 5 hour daily drives
Heading into the country’s centre. 

Soon the warm humidity left behind
The dry stretches of the open road
Avoiding the dreaded road trains. 

Though essential these are
To our far flung outposts 
Food, fuel and goods. 

Not to mention urban needs
Items carried from city to city
Truckies battling to meet timetables. 

While their families wait for their return
Hoping that they will be safe 
That their loads are delivered intact. 

It takes a lot to supply a big country
Farmers to grow the food we need
Infrastructure to take this where needed. 

While most of us take this for granted
At times even mocking the efforts
Of those who provide these essential services. 

It befits us to pause for a moment 
Reflect on those who feed our bellies 
And those who earn their bread by providing ours. 

Brian Matthews 11-9-24

The Outback

In outback Queensland 
Been to Mount Isa and Cloncurry
Long distances but not in a hurry. 

Now in a little place called Camooweal
Temperature today was 35
Ah, so glad to be alive. 

Tomorrow off to Tennant Creek
Then on to Ti Tree
To see what we can see. 

Road trains thick on the Barkly Highway 
Such long vehicles they are
Dwarfing our meagre car. 

So on we go on our trip
Kings Canyon our ultimate aim
Until home we return again. 

Brian Matthews 14-9-24

Some Haiku crept in

Ah, the quiet now
Disturbed by the snoring dog,
Grand final noise gone.

Brian Matthews 28-9-24

A Brother’s Lament

On this day every year
My heart feels so sore
Your smiling face I still can see
Your voice still lingers for me. 

I remember the good times 
And the shared sorrows
Wishing more time with you
Knowing this can’t be true. 

All must pass
A lifetime is limited 
And in many hearts you live on
Even though you have gone. 

Brian Matthews 28-10-24

Birthdays often provide inspiration. This one written for my dear wife.

For Barbara 

Another birthday for you is here
Let’s hope it brings you good cheer
Time to relax with a book to read
Later on some drinks and a good feed. 

Know that you are loved by me
And the rest of your family tree
And all those who value you
And the little kindnesses you always do. 

Thinking of others is the way you are
Whether they are near or far
To  a World of love you aspire
Helping to lift others from the mire. 

So another year will play out
And I say with a joyful shout
Be kind to yourself as well
As in your life you excell. 

Brian Matthews 29-10-24

And then an almost 2 month writing drought was broken by some little creatures

An Owl I Saw

Putting a sprinkler on in the dusk
Bathing in the drops a little owl I saw
A few days later then there were four.

The four hard to see high in the tree
Hunkered down for their rest
The night putting their hunting skills to test.

The little joys in nature do abound
The kangaroo and joey across the street 
Finding a patch of green grass to eat.

And bird life such a constant in my world
The rainbow lorikeets swooping down
The raucous corellas bringing a frown.

It is very easy to switch off to this
When too much time spent in your mind
But open your eyes and such pleasure you will find.

Brian Matthews 26-12-24

The first a short one for the birthday of my sweet granddaughter Tilly (Natalie Mary Matthews):

And Tilly’s 8

Eight years old Tilly has reached
So much of life yet to be breached.

A lot of fun to be enthusiastically had
Though some days are still sure to be sad.

We hope for you that most times are good
Wherever it is that you are stood.

Whatever, for now just have a great day
A good time for all that’s what we say.

Happy 8th birthday Tilly from BaBa and Pop
2-8-24

Then a general holiday poem:

On Holiday 

Time spent relaxing 
And touring around
Away from home
Across the country we roam. 

Our dogs a little puzzled
By the regular changes 
Happy when we stop
As on relatives we drop. 

But soon off we go
On the road again 
Travelling very far
Days and days in the car. 

But some longer stays
After the long drives
Somewhere we can rest
Driving not such a test. 

Brian Matthews 11-8-24

And embracing the reaching of a warmer climate:

The Tropics Reached 

In the tropics at last
A long journey, not fast
Shorts and T shirts now
Warmer clothes in the bag we throw. 

The tang of cane fields burning 
Around the corner at each turning 
A rich green landscape all around 
No lack of water to be found. 

A small camping place here
A very nice place to have a beer
The little dogs happy to have a break 
As a brief rest from driving we take. 

Off again tomorrow we are
Many more hours in the car
Before our final destination 
Having crossed half the nation. 

Brian Matthews 18-8-24

Reaching our final destination:

Arrival

A very quiet campsite at first
Our ultimate destination at last
Now a weekend does arrive
Into the park the families drive. 

The weather mild to warm
As young ones around the place swarm
On scooters and on a bike
Off to the swimming area they hike. 

In the background the birds sing
Long legged ones investigate everything 
Hopeful for a special treat
Or just anything they might eat. 

Sitting reading for a while
Taking it all in with a smile
Soon to head off yet again
Exploring the interesting terrain. 

Brian Matthews 24-8-24

A poem on my own birthday:

Birthday Reflections 

Another birthday has come
And to the pub we’ve gone
An extra special meal for me
Provided by dear family. 

Now relaxing at the park
Where all the birds I hark
Pleasant tweeting all around 
Amongst the harsher cockatoo sound. 

For 73 years I now have been
On this Earth and much I’ve seen
But questions I still have a pile
I think the answer’s in a smile. 

Those brief exchanges that we see
Wherever it is that people be
Whenever one catches another’s attention 
Too brief to usually deserve a mention. 

Brian Matthews 28-8-24

The sighting of a platypus in the wild. What a treat:

A Platypus 

A platypus in the wild
Not seen that since I was a child
Swimming around and round
Until some food it’s found. 

Then a deep, deep dive
Gobbling some food to help it thrive
A special way of detecting prey
Electric currents so they say. 

Happy I was to see this sight
Talked about it into the night
I may not ever see one again
Our impact on the environment to blame. 

Brian Matthews 31-8-24

Pondering the future after Father’s Day

Pondering the future 

Another Father’s Day gone
This one without my Sons and Daughter 
One now no longer here
The others half a country away. 

The ties that bind are strong 
But can be stretched
And even sometimes broken
But the love still remains. 

And so I ponder the future 
Counting the pennies 
Wondering if they will last
Without a major change. 

My belly churns
My thoughts fly around
This way or that?
The path ahead unclear. 

Brian Matthews 2-9-24

And, finally for this post, I’m not usually one for portents of the future but….

Signs of Change?

First a broken door handle
The caravan needing repair
Then a chip in the windscreen
Spreading rapidly now. 

Then my little pigeon friend
Sitting on my shoulder
Pacing around unafraid
Looking this way and that. 

A curlew joining in
Watching for a treat
This place speaking to me
Asking me to remain?

Maybe I’m going ‘troppo’
Though the weather is mild
Not due to the heat
But maybe the location?

I have so much at home
Though maybe change is due
It would be tough to leave
Life is always full of possibilities. 

Brian Matthews 2-9-24

Continuing our campervan holiday interstate, though staying with a friend and then family for the past two weeks, visiting the world of my younger brother Ian, who passed away three years ago.

But first a poem in memory of my son, Sam’s, death two years ago on the 3rd of July…

Pain revisited 

That anniversary looms again 
The day we lost you soon to begin
Memories of the pain we all felt 
And still feel at the blow that was dealt. 

We know that we all must die
And that, for us, others will cry
But when one from this Earth is rent
When not enough time here has been spent. 

We rail against the pain
Of injustice to keep us sane 
For if the emotions we push away 
From our love of the person we do stray. 

His children continue to grow
And in their smiles we see his glow
Remembering all that us he gifted
Might, just a little, leave our spirits lifted. 

Brian Matthews 2-7-24

Then a lighter one to celebrate my grandson, Archie’s, fourteenth birthday…

Some birthday thoughts

Archie will now be fourteen 
What can that mean?

Leaving childhood behind
I guess that you won’t mind. 

I wonder what plans there are
Or is it enough to reach for a star?

The unknowns in life abound 
Until a likely path is found. 

Wherever in life you stray
In Pop and BaBa’s hearts you’ll stay. 

We hope that life will bring you joy
As with different experiences you toy. 

Remember that we are always here
To bring you comfort and lots of cheer. 

Brian  Matthews 2-7-24
(for Archie’s birthday on 10-7-24)

Followed by one written at the home of the ‘Black Stump’, Coolah, New South Wales…

Another Place

A welcoming spot here
With a flowing creek near
Full clouds billowing above
Occasional sunlight sending its love. 

Rural Australia has so much to offer
Encouraging me another poem to proffer 
Staying now in the home of the black stump
Coolah, a little town, on the map barely a bump. 

Catching up with family we are
Difficult to do when they live afar
But important to connect when possible 
Escaping from our everyday bubble. 

Life can be fine staying at home
Though it’s also good to our country roam
And visit places never before seen
Giving our senses a bit of a clean. 

Brian Matthews 4-7-24

And a celebration of getting into the warmer climate of Queensland…

Into the Warm

Sunshine at last
The colder weather passed 
Well into Queensland now
The cold we disavow. 

It will be nice for a time 
To enjoy this warmer clime
As friends and family we see
In shorts I can finally be. 

And as further north we go
The country will itself us it show
And I’m sure the odd beer there’ll be
As from the cold we’re finally free. 

Brian Matthews 10-7-24

Finally, two poems reflecting on the loss of my brother…

His Light Still Shines

It’s three years today
Since you, so suddenly, went away
Your smile no longer there
Your laugh without a care. 

Missed by all of us
Not that you’d want such a fuss
Such a relaxed approach to life
Avoiding all possible strife. 

Spreading joy wherever you went
With everyone who time you spent
The master of the tall, tall tale
Bringing a laugh without a fail. 

But when I need you there you are
Walking down the street or in the car
Your life wisdom ever clear
Even though you are no longer here. 

I miss you brother that’s for sure
As through this life I do tour 
Knowing that while you have gone
Where you walked the sun still shone. 

Brian Matthews 17-7-24

He Hovers Still

A strange time emotionally 
Revisiting his past rationally 
But the thoughts and images poke through 
Bringing with them a sense of feelings askew. 

As I sit on the well worn chair 
I think he hovers just over there
On me I detect his broad smile
His laughter lingering a while. 

Though very different we were
Our similarities can others stir
And in their eyes I sometimes see
The love that there will always be. 

Brian Matthews 26-7-24

For one of my granddaughters

Alexa’s 14

And so another year has passed
It seems to have gone so fast
And now your 14th birthday does appear 
Marking yet a further year. 

Hope you have a lovely day
That’s really all I can say
And with friends you have a lot of fun
A joyful day in the sun. 

Each year new experiences abound
Both positives and negatives will be found
Your family, though, will be there 
Even when you despair. 

I do hope the year brings joy
At least that it does little to annoy
And that you can smile
As you travel each and every mile. 

Brian Matthews 13-5-24

A short one for my eldest son

Karl’s Birthday 

Another birthday comes around
Hopefully, with joy to be found. 

And another year rears its head
Mortgage and mouths to be fed. 

And, thus, goes every day
Seeking what we cannot say. 

But one thing is always sure
Love is what will always endure. 

And so it is for you and me
And all along the family tree. 

Universal is the need
Relationships to carefully feed. 

Brian Matthews 22-5-24

A weather poem…

And So It Goes

And so the clock ticks on
Clear skies replaced by gloom
Some rain but not enough 
Temperature lingers in single digits. 

And the days are so short 
And soon shorter still
As to the winter solstice we march 
The cycle unstoppable. 

Wherever we live
The weather follows closely 
Reminding us of time passing
A conversation piece for all. 

Hoping for good winter rains
To fill the dams and reservoirs 
And saturate the land
Recharging the Earth’s batteries. 

But the lack of autumn downpours 
Does not presage well
We all know another drought will come
And with this comes the fires. 

Humankind clings to the ground 
As weather events become more extreme 
And wars rage around the globe
Seeking a peaceful place to stand. 

And cycles come and go
Ignoring individuals and their travails 
Though impact we all do
Through our waste and neglect. 

And people lose their homes
Through natural disasters
Or corporate and individual greed
Huddling together for safety. 

Some cling strongly to their faith
Others decry the usurpers 
And others keep their heads down
Hoping for the tempests to pass. 

All at the mercy of nature
A fickle creature at best
But the source of all we have
The good, the bad, and everything in between. 

Brian Matthews 4-6-24

A grumpy old man poem

Exploring A Mood

Lugubrious, such a strange word
Looking or sounding sad or dismal
Applied to some breeds of dogs
Or the elderly withering in their dotage. 

Resonating with me now
As that is how I feel
Unmotivated and unimpressed by all
Feeling like I’m sinking in mire. 

Contributing little to conversations
Uninspired by attempts at humour 
What a strange creature I’ve become 
Failing to acknowledge the joy in life. 

For all seems so dark and glum
A world full of war and tragedy
So many people warped by fate
Or the violence that seems so prevalent. 

Waiting for the light to return
Knowing that I will not always feel so
Wanting what I am not sure
Hoping for the energy to return. 

We all have days like this
For some they come in waves
For others when chance intervenes
Bringing events that would fell anyone. 

Wallowing does little good
And brings little company 
People happy to listen
But unwilling to be consumed. 

And so it should be
We all can change our lives
Even if only in small ways 
A smile bequeathed to a stranger. 

Brian Matthews 7-6-24

And finally, for this post, one about a holiday

Halls Gap

A lovely place here 
Surrounded by nature
Kangaroos abound
Emus stroll around. 

The birds are relaxed
Familiar with tourist attention 
They light nearby
Looking for a stray fry. 

A stroll down the path
Looking left and right
The kookaburras take it all in
Did those scraps miss the bin?

The sulphur crested cockatoos strut
The crimson rosellas display their plumage
The little dogs sniff around
Hoping something they’ll find on the ground. 

And so this holiday starts
Weeks of little to do
Apart from whatever does appeal
As from the humdrum of life we steal. 

Brian Matthews 19-6-24

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