Throwback Friday, Where’s That Dream


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 Soundis 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/

Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven-and-derrick-knight/perceptions/hardcover/product-2pwqe4.html?q=Perceptions+by+Ivor+Steven&page=1&pageSize=4

OR: email me directly for a signed copy – ivorrs20@gmail.com



Ivor Steven (c) May 3rd 2024

Throwback Friday, Our River (a Haiku Revised)

Dedicated to my dear wife, to celebrate her birthday on Wednesday the 17th of April. I think my words say enough …    I’m proud and honoured to present this Haiku as my “Throwback Friday” post today. Twelve years have passed and I’m quite emotional this week, and I apologise to fellow writers, and readers for not blogging and commenting with my usual zest.


Our River (a Haiku, Revised)


True love ebbs and flows

Hidden rocks etched our river

Stones soften to sand







Until Eyes Hear Soundis 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/

Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven-and-derrick-knight/perceptions/hardcover/product-2pwqe4.html?q=Perceptions+by+Ivor+Steven&page=1&pageSize=4

OR: email me directly for a signed copy – ivorrs20@gmail.com



Ivor Steven (c) April 2024

Throwback Friday, Fiery Pearls and an Ambient Eye

I wrote this six-line poem back in July 2022, and as is my way, today, I have slightly altered the wording.

“Since I don’t believe in anything 
I can pretend about everything” … (anonymous)



Fiery Pearls and an Ambient Eye (Revised)



The stars are the universe’s fiery pearls

And when smoke falls into my eyes 

Her leftover embers rekindle my heart




The silver moon is my world’s ambient eye

And when my mind falls out of focus

Her warrior radiance enlightens my soul







Until Eyes Hear Soundis 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/

Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven-and-derrick-knight/perceptions/hardcover/product-2pwqe4.html?q=Perceptions+by+Ivor+Steven&page=1&pageSize=4

OR: email me directly for a signed copy – ivorrs20@gmail.com



Ivor Steven (c) April 2024

Throwback Friday, Grumpy Bears in Chains

A poem I wrote in Nov 2020, which now appears in my new book “Until Eyes Hear Sound”


Grumpy Bears in Chains





The crashing noise started after midnight

When the growling thunder gave darkness a fright

I was shaken by the storms furious hard rain

Sounding like grumpy bears in chains

Thumping my iron roof with their heavy paws

And lashing at the awnings with their steely claws

Then the giant drops turned into falling ice blocks

And I rushed back inside to shelter behind the dog box








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

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/

Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven-and-derrick-knight/perceptions/hardcover/product-2pwqe4.html?q=Perceptions+by+Ivor+Steven&page=1&pageSize=4

OR: email me directly for a signed copy – ivorrs20@gmail.com



Ivor Steven (c) March 2024

Throwback Friday, Purple Tomatoe Ferns

I found a poem in my old files yesterday, from September 2018. Here I have revised the wording slightly, but without losing any of the original’s impressive imagery.

Dear friends and followers,
as you read my article today, I am on my way to the “Clunes Booktown Festival” and won’t be back until Monday afternoon. But, I have been busy writing and have ‘Scheduled’ a post each day while I am away, but my blogging ‘Comments’ will be minimal … >> https://www.clunesbooktown.com.au/





Purple Tomatoe Ferns (Revised)


I have hallucinations of Vikings sailing in the cold

Plundering forgotten hearts and pilfering gold


I am dreaming of the old farmer’s wife

Milking cows, cleaning, and baking for life


I have feelings for the king, in his isolated castle

Looking forlornly upon his drawbridge, a foodless trestle


I am wandering through an empty paddock

Kicking dew off the grass, searching for a lover’s locket


I have plans for the planet’s desolate future

Growing purple tomatoe ferns until they are mature


I remember her bravery, her ever-lasting smile

Crawling over jagged garden beds, every painful mile


I have finished falling under her broken sky

Claiming peace among tomorrow’s butterflies














Ivor Steven (c) March 2024

Throwback Friday. My World, My Thoughts


My Throwback poem from September 2021 was originally titled “Worlds Beyond Thoughts”, however, when I published the piece in my new book “Until Eyes Here Sound” I altered it to “My World, My Thoughts”

My poem today is made from a list of comments that I have left on fellow ‘Bloggers’ sites, and in order of stanza appearance, these are the writers’ sites for you to visit.

Bart – https://bartbarkerpoet.com/
Sadje – https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/
Punam – https://paeansunpluggedblog.wordpress.com/
Sadje – https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/

Annette – https://aikalandros.com/
Dwight – https://rothpoetry.wordpress.com/
Michelle~M – https://herwritinghaven.com/
Catxman – https://catxman.wordpress.com/
Mark – https://havocandconsequence.wordpress.com/

Cindy – https://uniquelyfitblog.com/
Carol – https://therapybits.com/
Cassa – https://flickerofthoughts.com/
Windwhisperer – https://wildwindwhisperer.wordpress.com/



My World, My Thoughts



Laws are merely guidelines

For the arrows of love to climb

Mirror mirror on the wall 

Recalls our joys and falls 

Behind every mask, there is a weathered face 

Behind every face old lines survive in place 

Behind every place memories live with grace 

Evil eyes lurk in veiled skies


The wisdom of native ancestors should be listened to

And not be lost to the modern ways of this arrogant world

The way of modern progress

Is to leave nature shamefully undressed

Nature and renewal walk down the garden path hand in hand

I hear church bells ring 

I see the mice die 

And the clouds always cry

Keep the cup full, turn the power on

And the answer will come 


  

Like a big jigsaw puzzle

Not all the pieces will fit back

And overall the world will look the same

I cannot dwell on what has been 

While I feel my blade of grass is alive and green

Above and beyond the crusty dirt 

The universe is a symphonic concert

They say that the truth hurts

Beware of cold desserts








Ivor Steven (c) March 2024
.. 

Throwback Friday, Wonderment Rings True

Yesterday, Michele Lee (>>https://myinspiredlife.org/2024/03/06/paper-airplane-pilot/) asked me about my “Itmims” spacecraft, which prompted me to post this poem from September 2020.



Wonderment Rings True


My imagination’s beaming

Alive and dreaming

Even when I’m sleeping

Tired eyes are peeping

Searching for the milky-way

Flying there, on my open sleigh

And sailing the air-waves

High above broadway




Steering my spacecraft, Itmims**

While reading The Brothers Grimm

And playing a tune on my old violin

The theme from ‘Lord of the Rings’




I’m a visionary Sky Pilot

With a handful of violets

Travelling beyond a silvery moon

To float upon our blue lagoon





**Itmims; ”Ivor’s Time Machine In Micro Space”….








Until Eyes Hear Sound
Not available on Lulu or Amazon yet … but you may purchase it from me, via this web page or my email >> ivorrs20@gmail.com

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/

Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven-and-derrick-knight/perceptions/hardcover/product-2pwqe4.html?q=Perceptions+by+Ivor+Steven&page=1&pageSize=4

OR: email me directly for a signed copy – ivorrs20@gmail.com


Ivor Steven (c) March 2024

Throwback Friday, Moon Blossom

A “Moon” poem that I originally wrote in June 2019.




Moon Blossom


The old moon knows

After a bitterly cold winter

There’s never a false spring

And Eve’s apple tree always blossoms


Then the full moon shyly shines

Casting moon-shadows upon sacred ground

And asks about the planet’s fading designs

“Where have all the ancient spirits gone”




However, the new moon remains alluring

And his moonbeams spoon our imagination

Yellow ripples shimmering across blue lagoons

Casting moon-shadows over lovers’ bedrooms

And love eventually conquers us all

When moon blossom ringlets gently fall








Ivor Steven (c) March 2024

Throwback Friday, Did You Hear the Moon Call?

I have written and posted a number of “moon” poems lately, and there will be a full moon tomorrow night. So, my Throwback Friday Poem is another Moon Poem, “Did You Hear the Moon Call?, from September 2021






Did You Hear the Moon Call?



Time is an eternal sundial

The sun rises, and the sun sets

Tides roll in, tides go out

The rivers ebb and flow

And the gray clouds of life

Continue to fly on by


Curtains open, and curtains fall

The audience wants more

Feel the crowd roar

Last night, did you hear the moon call?







Until Eyes Hear Sound
Not available on Lulu or Amazon yet … but you may purchase it from me, via this web page or my email >> ivorrs20@gmail.com

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/

Lulu Books: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven-and-derrick-knight/perceptions/hardcover/product-2pwqe4.html?q=Perceptions+by+Ivor+Steven&page=1&pageSize=4

OR: email me directly for a signed copy – ivorrs20@gmail.com

Ivor Steven (c) February 2024

Throwback Friday, Beyond Imagination

I wrote “Beyond Imagination” 5 years ago, while I was in rehab, recovering from my 3rd stroke, and somehow preparing my body for a long and arduous trip to Philadelphia. The attached poem below, “Dreams of the Heart” is a piece I wrote in Philadelphia, in May 2019.


Beyond Imagination (Revised)


This year (2019), after Easter

I’m flying north

Across the Pacific Ocean

Towards a place called America


From the west to the east coast

Landing at the Big Apple

To enjoy a five-day tourist bite

Then a train from Grand Central Station

For a debut meeting with my cousins in Philadelphia

My Dad’s far-away relatives


I shall rejoice in the reunion of our family’s spirits

Oh yes, my lifetime “Dream of the Heart” **

A dubious occurrence just two months ago

But now a reality beyond the realms of my imagination




** “Dreams of the Heart”

I cannot walk the continents
Like the intrepid Marco Polo

But my feet have felt the sands of time
Pass between my toes

I have not sailed the high seas
Like the courageous Christopher Columbus

But my body has bathed
In an ocean full of kind hearts

I’m yet to fly in space
Like the brave Neil Armstrong

But I have reached for the stars
And touched my soul’s dreams










Ivor Steven (c) February 2024