Today’s Throwback Friday poem is drawn from my upcoming book, Time Hears No Sound. It opens Chapter 3, Time: Hears No Commands—a section that explores the quiet rebellion of nature and spirit against the ticking of the clock.
Flying Through Time
Flying below the clouds or Zooming above the bay or Swooping across the paddocks
My wings are oblivious to the climb And do not hear the sound of time
It’s Market Day this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. * Our popular monthly markets are all undercover at Centrepoint Arcade on the third Saturday of every month. * They feature art, unique goods from local makers, second-hand goods, plants, books, and more. * There are also open art studios, Yesterday Vintage, Untether Gallery, HBT Collectables, and the May’d Shop.
All at, Centrepoint Arcade 132 Little Malop St, Geelong From 11 am to 3 pm
And I’ll be there with ‘Frankie’ and my “New Bookstall Set-up”
. My sister and I were up in front of the stage just before the show began
The Animals – Final Curtain Tour at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
Last night, my sister and I had the pleasure of attending The Animals at the grand old Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat. First opened in 1875, Her Majesty’s remains Australia’s best-preserved theatre building — a living monument to Ballarat’s rich cultural heritage. It has served as the city’s home of live performance for nearly 150 years, and its ornate charm made the perfect setting for a night of rock nostalgia.
The Animals have thrilled audiences across generations, and we couldn’t miss their Final Curtain Tour. The current lineup features original member John Steel — now 84 and still commanding the stage — alongside Danny Handley, Bobby Ruiz, and Barney “Boogie” Williams. Together, they delivered a powerhouse performance that had the crowd on their feet, singing along and soaking in every note.
From gritty blues to timeless rock anthems, the band’s energy was infectious. It was more than a concert — it felt like a farewell embrace from legends who’ve shaped the soundtrack of so many lives.
“I wanted to show that I could do things as well as anyone else, even if I did have to do them differently.” … Alan Marshall, the author of ‘I Can Jump Puddles’
Tomorrow is Another Day
I cannot fly beyond the platinum twilight, and soaring above sunset’s iridescent clouds would be to achieve the impossible dream.
But I can jump puddles, and I am more than ready to leap — as far as my weary wings will take me
“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.” ~ Laurence Binyon
I always make my bed in the morning As soon as I get up. Surprise, surprise! When I arrived home from outing To the Geelong Short Play Festival show There: my bed covers, we’re all ruffled up! “Who had been sleeping in my bed?”
When I left my house There was only one guy inside To look after the place While I was out having a good time Yep! … you guessed it That, guilty-looking, “Frankie”
Today I attended the matinee session of the Geelong Short Play Festival at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre, and left feeling inspired by the depth of local talent and the warmth of community spirit.
Organised by Geelong Writers Inc. and supported by the Geelong Arts Centre, the festival marks a vibrant new chapter in the region’s creative calendar. As Paul Bucci, Chair of the Geelong Short Play Festival Working Group, shared:
“The festival is an initiative of the Geelong Writers Group, a not-for-profit community group formed to promote support for writers of all genres and to promote writing and literature in the Geelong and Surf Coast regions. We hope the festival will become an annual event in Geelong, providing a wonderful opportunity to develop and showcase local talent in writing and performance. This year, the festival features six plays by local writers that were chosen from 36 plays submitted for consideration and supported by five local theatre groups. Thanks to everyone who took the time to submit – well done to all of you.”
Paul Bucci. Geelong Short Play Festival Working Group Chair:
The Geelong Performing Arts Centre
There are several theatres in the Arts Centre: The festival was held at “The Open House”
It was a full house.
The audience—an eclectic mix of theatre lovers, writers, and curious locals—responded with generous applause and lively conversation during intermission. It was clear that this wasn’t just a showcase, but a celebration of Geelong’s creative pulse.
Among the festival’s generous sponsors was Jaymah Press, a local publishing house committed to nurturing regional voices. It was a delight to see Judy Rankin, editor and publisher at Jaymah, acknowledged for her support—not only of the festival, but of countless writers in the Geelong community.
On a personal note, Judy happens to be the editor and publisher of my own books, and I’m continually grateful for her thoughtful guidance and unwavering belief in the power of poetry and storytelling. Her presence at the festival felt like a quiet thread of continuity—linking the written word to the performed one, and reminding us how interconnected our creative journeys truly are
Ivor.Plumber/Poet 