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

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