The Portrait That Found Me

“I wish I could say everything in one word. I hate all the things that can happen between the beginning of a sentence and the end.” … Leonard Cohen

Tonight, at the launch of naXOs — Geelong Writers’ new anthology of resonant, experimental poetry — I was invited to read my piece The Portrait That Found Me. Now that the book is in my hands, I’m delighted to share the poem here as it appears in the collection. It grew from a quiet, unexpected moment, the kind of encounter that shifts its own boundaries and finds you before you find it — a fitting addition to an anthology that celebrates fresh connections through image, language, and form.


Moments from tonight’s naXOs anthology launch — my reading of The Portrait That Found Me, shared among friends, voices, and a generous audience.



The poem as published in the naXOs anthology.




And to end the night, a final nod to the voice that steadied my steps — Leonard Cohen, Field Commander of the tender and true



Ivor Steven ©  August 2026

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ivor20

G'day, and welcome to my blog site. My name is Ivor Steven, I live in Geelong, Australia. I'm an ex-industrial chemist, and a retired plumber, and a former Carer of my wife(Carole), for 30 years, who suffered from severe MS. I Write poetry about those personal thoughts, throughout and beyond my life as a Carer. I've been blogging for over 2 years, and writing poems for 19 years. Of course a lot of my poems are about my favourite subject Carole, but since I've been blogging my writings have become quite varied, humourous, mystical, observational, and even a few monster/horror poems.

25 thoughts on “The Portrait That Found Me”

    1. Yes, it was wonderful night/event, my dear friend, and of course I had no time to do any blogging yesterday, especially after doing this long post, which I finished at midnight … I’m extremely tired today, but the adrenaline flow will keep me going … 📘💙🌏🥰🐶

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  9. Congratulations, Ivor!

    Oh! Such a powerful, heart-touching poem! I’m so glad you got to share it! The more people who hear it, or read it, the better! 🙂

    You know how important Mr. Cohen has been to me, too. His words and songs have helped me in my life and have been a part of the soundtrack of my life. I can’t image my life without him in it.

    Like Mr. Cohen, you, too, have touched my heart with your words/poems, Ivor! You and your poems make us smile, bring connection, bring hope and inspiration, help us feel less alone in our thoughts and feelings, teach us, challenge us, and so much more! Thank you! 🙂

    I see Mr. Cohen went with you…on your shirt and in spirit! 🙂
    (((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️

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    1. Yes, I was wearing my old Leonard Cohen T-shirt, faded, but still distinguishable … and thank you for all of your thoughtful words about the profound influence he has had on all of us, Carolyn (((HUGS))) 🌏💙📘🎵🥰🐶

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