After the Fall




After the Fall


After falling through the fragmented cloud,
the rusty and weary traveller
appeared to be disoriented,
without his familiar protective shroud.
Escaping his country has been hazardous,
and he longs for a restful shelter.

However, until the stampede’s contaminated dust
is devoured by its own mistrust-

then, and only then,
will the Almighty Sun
incinerate the lingering clouds
and allow the world’s war-torn sky
to redeem his sacred ground.




A Malay Kris and a Cracked Brick Wall


Today’s poem is one of my verses, composed of comments/anecdotes I posted on some of my fellow WordPress writers’ articles during the month. In stanza order, they are.

1 – Nancy, Order Of The Snake – The Elephant’s Trunk
2 – Beth, expression. | I didn’t have my glasses on….
3 – Bart, Monday Poetry Prompt: Under the Cushions | Living Poetry
4 – Violet, Untouched by Regret | Thru Violet’s Lentz
5 – Ivor, A response to Nancy’s comment, https://ivorplumberpoet.press/2025/08/14/surprise-surprise-a-tanka/
6 – David, Breaking hours, or: Yet it flows – The Skeptic’s Kaddish 🇮🇱


A Malay Kris and a Cracked Brick Wall


I’ll twist and dismiss
your kiss and hiss.
Then, with my Malay kris,
I’ll swish you up like this.

Little cracks
and threads of black
are nature’s imperfections-
waiting for filaments of imagination.

Under my luxurious woollen cushion
lies an old copy of The Australian Bulletin.
Also, from Great-grand-dad’s mystical Galleon,
there’s a hand-woven chiffon for his Spanish woman. 

Regrets are like silhouettes-
they linger above your shoulders
like worn-out epaulettes
and burnt-out candle holders,
as shadowy images after sunset.

Line after line,
Time clutters my mind.
Will I be fine in time?

The sands of time
will forever fall through the hourglass,
and the shadows of time
always moves across the sundial.
Gravity continues to wear us down
and sunlight will always crack our mounds.








Ivor Steven (c) August 2025

Feeling Stumped, But Not Grumpy


I’ve only 12 days to go until I fly over to Canada. I’m on antibiotics and have been ordered to rest. Therefore, my blogging commitments will be minimal for the next 7days.


Feeling Stumped, But Not Grumpy


I have a badly inflamed throat
That feels like I’m swallowing
Broken needles and razor blades.
(Please don’t make me laugh.)

And I have an awful chest cough
That rattles and clangs
Like a grumpy polar bear in chains
On my rusty iron roof.

I’m physically lumpy and stumped,
But even though my body is trumped,
My mind is enthusiastic and pumped–
Ready for my flight to be happily humped










Ivor Steven (c) August 2025

Throwback Friday, Beyond A Blade Of Grass

Today’s Throwback Friday was written in April 2019, which was just before my trip to New York and Philadelphia. I have suitably revised my poem to coincide with my trip to Canada in “12” days.



Beyond a Blade Of Grass (Revised)



Believe it or not
I’m travelling around the block
Finally, I’ve refurbished my Itmims Yacht
And I’m about to discover a different spot
Reality has me flying to a new port
I’ve been invited to walk the walk
And talk about my amazing life
The long journey of endless strife
And how, the answer was found
From inside a body unsound

Go listen to the Messiah
You’ll not get any higher
Go reach for your stars
Dream of landing on Mars
Go steer a new T-model car
Even Victoria isn’t too far
Go find your favourite bike
Pedal your way to greater heights
Go explore, beyond your blade of grass
See the universe outside your heart of glass






Ivor Steven (c) August 2025

Creative Geelong Market Day, This Saturday, August 16th

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”








Ivor Steven (c) August 2025