Serene Memories
I live in a time zone
Where a peaceful river flows
Through the heart of my home
Down the road, toward the South
The Ocean’s shimmering memories
Convey a tranquil taste
Of sea mist to my mouth
And not far away, toward the North
The mountain’s eucalyptus fragrance
Serenely follows me back and forth
Ivor Steven (c) October 2024
Today’s Throwback Friday poem was originally written in August 2018. The story is about the occurrence of my first stroke on the 20th of September, 2000.
Who’s Left to Row the Boat
The storms are too many to count
Emotional lows had weathered me out
Her journey with MS was a struggle
How much lower could our lives sink
After fourteen years of our battles, I suffered a Stroke
An ambulance came, my brain was in a boat
Floating out to sea, overboard and panic-stricken
I wasn’t swimming, barely awake, and drifting
I had fallen, nothing was working, and not talking
She’s crying, I’m sobbing, my heart is dying
And who’s left to row the boat, I’m thinking
I was jabbed with a needle and silently sleeping
I awoke a day later, in hospital, feeling wasted
My face was limp, mouth parched, was that death I tasted
My mind was active, I thought, where is she
I knew I was bad; the room was all blurry to me
Strong anxieties had set in, I needed to know
Nurses came to me, I pleaded, I wanted to go
“Help me to see her, just give my bed a tow
Please let me go, before I’m covered in snow”
All Books. Now Available At:
Creative Geelong MAY’D Shop,
Shop 15/Centrepoint Arcade
132 Little Malop St, Geelong
TRADING HOURS
Thursday-Saturday
11am-3pm
Until Eyes Hear Sound
Lulu Books >> Until Eyes Hear Sound (lulu.com)
Perceptions:
Amazon >> Perceptions : Steven, Ivor, Knight, Derrick: Amazon.com.au: Books
Lulu Books >> Perceptions (lulu.com)
Tullawalla:
Amazon >> Tullawalla A Meeting Place Where My Empty Hands are Full of Memories and Rhymes : Steven, Ivor: Amazon.com.au: Books
OR: >> You may email me directly for a signed copy at
ivorrs20@gmail.com
Ivor Steven (c) September 2024
This morning I attended the Dome Poetry Group’s monthly meeting, and the theme/topic was to present a “Haibun”.
‘Falling’, is the Haibun I wrote for the group to peruse.
Haibun Definition: In a haibun, the prose section provides a descriptive narrative or a personal essay-like passage, while the haiku serves as a brief, poetic moment or reflection that complements the prose. The prose typically describes a scene, a journey, an experience, or a memory in a concise and vivid manner, often incorporating sensory details and emotional insights.
Falling (a Haibun)
On this day 24 years ago. I abruptly awoke. I was struggling to breathe, and my right arm and leg felt strange. I did not know I was having a stroke. I struggled and fell out of bed. My tumble woke my wife, Carole, and I could see the anguish or fear in her eyes. Somehow, I was able to ring “000“, and slur enough information for them to locate me. Fortunately, the ambulance guys knew of Carole’s condition and promptly organized the appropriate health agencies to have her minded and cared for.
Falling (the Haiku)
I stumbled
She cried … don’t fall
Love hurts
All Books. Now Available At:
Creative Geelong MAY’D Shop,
Shop 15/Centrepoint Arcade
132 Little Malop St, Geelong
TRADING HOURS
Thursday-Saturday
11am-3pm
Until Eyes Hear Sound
Lulu Books >> Until Eyes Hear Sound (lulu.com)
Perceptions:
Amazon >> Perceptions : Steven, Ivor, Knight, Derrick: Amazon.com.au: Books
Lulu Books >> Perceptions (lulu.com)
Tullawalla:
Amazon >> Tullawalla A Meeting Place Where My Empty Hands are Full of Memories and Rhymes : Steven, Ivor: Amazon.com.au: Books
OR: >> You may email me directly for a signed copy at
ivorrs20@gmail.com
Ivor Steven (c) September 2024
Beyond Time
Behind the dark side
Out of harm’s way
The moon glows enduringly
Beyond the light
Out of harm’s way
Her star shines eternally
Beyond time
Out of harm’s way
True love never dies
All Books. Now Available At:
Creative Geelong MAY’D Shop,
Shop 15/Centrepoint Arcade
132 Little Malop St, Geelong
TRADING HOURS
Thursday-Saturday
11am-3pm
Until Eyes Hear Sound
Lulu Books >> Until Eyes Hear Sound (lulu.com)
Perceptions:
Amazon >> Perceptions : Steven, Ivor, Knight, Derrick: Amazon.com.au: Books
Lulu Books >> Perceptions (lulu.com)
Tullawalla:
Amazon >> Tullawalla A Meeting Place Where My Empty Hands are Full of Memories and Rhymes : Steven, Ivor: Amazon.com.au: Books
OR: >> You may email me directly for a signed copy at
ivorrs20@gmail.com
Ivor Steven (c) September 2024
Today my ‘Throwback Friday’ poem, is from June 2019, and again, as is my way, I have slightly revised the original piece.
Black Snow Thaws In The Winter Sun (Revised)
I’ve no more secret words of sorrow
Only old lines I’ve borrowed
I found them in a poet’s dusty booklet
The pages were tattered, like Grandma’s cookbook
Hidden in the family’s sacred cabinet
Faded words that now appear outdated
Years of love and dreams relegated
Stored away, but prudently not wasted
My road ahead is now cleared of black snow
The night is not always dark, you know?
All Books. Now Available At:
Creative Geelong MAY’D Shop,
Shop 15/Centrepoint Arcade
132 Little Malop St, Geelong
TRADING HOURS
Thursday-Saturday
11am-3pm
Until Eyes Hear Sound
Lulu Books >> Until Eyes Hear Sound (lulu.com)
Perceptions:
Amazon >> Perceptions : Steven, Ivor, Knight, Derrick: Amazon.com.au: Books
Lulu Books >> Perceptions (lulu.com)
Tullawalla:
Amazon >> Tullawalla A Meeting Place Where My Empty Hands are Full of Memories and Rhymes : Steven, Ivor: Amazon.com.au: Books
OR: >> You may email me directly for a signed copy at
ivorrs20@gmail.com
Ivor Steven (c) August 2024
Featured Collage Above: the photos were taken by Derrick Knight, and kindly with his permission, he allows me to reproduce them here in collaboration with my poems. >> https://derrickjknight.com/2023/03/12/a-frantic-baaing/
Hi, dear readers and followers, the Book Launch of “Until Eyes Hear Sound” is next Wednesday, and today’s poem “Arriving and Leaving, Visiting Her” was selected by Robbie Cheadle as her favourite poem in her wonderful review of my book …
https://writingtoberead.com/2024/04/17/treasuring-poetry-meet-prolific-poet-ivor-steven-and-a-review-poetry-poetrycommunity-treasuringpoetry/
“My April Treasuring Poetry guest is the talented and prolific poet, Ivor Steven. Please enjoy his thoughts about poetry and some of his favourite poems.”
Arriving and Leaving, Visiting Her (page 102)
arriving
via the cemetery gate
holding her flowers
hands quivering
heart quickens
bowing silently
reminiscing
smiling
wondering why
closing time
and visiting time
co-exist in life
leaving
via the cemetery path
renewing goodbyes
crying silently
breathing slowly
smiling
wondering why
closing time
and visiting time
co-exist in life
Ivor Steven (c) July 2024
Me, sitting on Mum’s knee. … L to R, Carole, Aunties Elizabeth & Pearl, & Grandma
Grandma, and her 3 daughters. … My mum (left) and her lady relatives
G’day readers, It’s Friday morning here in Australia, the day after my mother’s birthday and Mother’s Day is this Sunday. Today’s Throwback Friday poem is, from September 2019.
The Woman In Me
Inside every man
There is a woman
The mother of his soul
The lady of his heart
The kindness in his touch
The passion in his blood
The woman who fostered
The way he shows love
Until Eyes Hear Sound: is NOW Available From,
Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven/until-eyes-hear-sound/paperback/product-jeev886.html?page=1&pageSize=4
Jaymah Press: https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/product-page/until-eyes-hear-sound
Tullawalla is Available From
Jaymah Press:https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/
Ivor Steven: email, ivorrs20@gmail.com
Amazon: search via, ‘Tullawalla by Ivor Steven’
AND
Perceptions is Now Available via:
Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/4yFHWrT
Jaymah Press: https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/
OR: email me directly for a signed copy – ivorrs20@gmail.com
Ivor Steven (c) May 2024
At ‘The Dunes’ cafe/restaurant, Ocean Grove, near Mum and Dad’s old family home, “Tullawalla”.
Centenarians
Today
We had a family remembrance party
For our dear departed parents
They were both born in 1924
One hundred years ago!
Today
We gathered to celebrate
Their love and loyalty for each other
And to proudly honour
The love and incredible support
We all unconditionally received
Ivor Steven (c) May 2024
Today’s Throwback poem was written before I started my website, and is from June 2012, not long after Carole had passed (12 years ago today). For unexplainable reasons, the nostalgic piece has not found its way into any of my “3 books”. Maybe this unheralded poem will catalyze me to begin a 4th book!
Where’s That Dream
I have seen the universe through to the stars beyond
There is a deep darkness, she is gone, she is gone
I saw her smile crack from the pain
There was a sorrow, she caught it tomorrow
I have seen the moon through the burning sun
Where is that planet she is walking on?
I saw her eyes crying tears of sand
Where is that beach she is lying on?
I have seen the ocean through the broken coral
Where is that ship, she is sailing on?
I saw her body serene and frail
Where are the ashes she is covered in?
I have seen the earth open, swallowing the multitude whole
Where is that chasm she is falling through?
I saw her gentle soul disappear out of sight
Where is that secret haven she is flying to?
I have seen the land go through violent storms
Where are the winds of time she is spread upon?
I saw her heart, her love, for all of you and me
Where is that dream, she has left us to find?
Until Eyes Hear Sound: is NOW Available From,
Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven/until-eyes-hear-sound/paperback/product-jeev886.html?page=1&pageSize=4
Jaymah Press: https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/product-page/until-eyes-hear-sound
Tullawalla is Available From
Jaymah Press:https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/
Ivor Steven: email, ivorrs20@gmail.com
Amazon: search via, ‘Tullawalla by Ivor Steven’
AND
Perceptions is Now Available via:
Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/4yFHWrT
Jaymah Press: https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/
OR: email me directly for a signed copy – ivorrs20@gmail.com
Ivor Steven (c) May 3rd 2024
She’s A Rainbow
Today, I saw rainbows everywhere
On my poetry booklet
In my empty coffee cup
And my grey clouds
Donned rainbows too!
Thank you, my love
For thoughtfully
Brightening this day
With your ever-lasting smile
Until Eyes Hear Sound: is NOW Available From,
Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven/until-eyes-hear-sound/paperback/product-jeev886.html?page=1&pageSize=4
Jaymah Press: https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/product-page/until-eyes-hear-sound
Tullawalla is Available From
Jaymah Press:https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/
Ivor Steven: email, ivorrs20@gmail.com
Amazon: search via, ‘Tullawalla by Ivor Steven’
AND
Perceptions is Now Available via:
Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/4yFHWrT
Jaymah Press: https://www.jaymahpress.com.au/
OR: email me directly for a signed copy – ivorrs20@gmail.com
Ivor Steven (c) May 2024
Ivor.Plumber/Poet 