Tag: Frankie

An Interesting Flower

One small flower caught my eye on our walk, and of course Frankie had to follow me in — just to make sure I wasn’t finding something better than him.





An Interesting Flower

We were meandering back
along our beaten walking track
when like an undercover spy
I saw a flower with my inquisitive eye
As I ventured into the shrubbery
there, right behind me, was Frankie
“What’s Dad found in there –
is it something tasty for me?”

Well Frankie, I’ve since discovered,
the flower was an African Iris,
they are drought-resistant and like
those sandy banks near our track.




Frankie approved the flower — and he definitely approves this track to finish the walk.





Ivor Steven ©  July 2026

Dog Talk

Frankie and I stopped outside The Book Bird today, and the look he gave me was enough to spark a whole conversation.

I think Frankie can read the billboard and my mind




Dog Talk



No, Frankie —
I’m not travelling anywhere soon,
so there’s no need for that doggie scowl.

You know I like to stop here,
to take a photo of the Book Bird sign
and you, my handsome old doggie.

Although… I would really love
to visit my dear cousins again
in Philadelphia and Canada.






Tonight’s music — Enya’s “Anywhere Is” — wanders gently, just like the thoughts in this poem, and carries my quiet longing a little further.





Ivor Steven ©  June 2026

Throwback Friday, My Mind Meanders (a Tanka)

Today’s Throwback Friday poem (originally written in August 2023) is drawn from my upcoming book, Time Hears No Sound. It appears as the first poem in the Tanka section of Chapter 10, Time’s Short Poems: Haiku, Tanka, etc.


I’ve done lots of meandering today, and now I need to have a doggie nap




My Mind Meanders (a Tanka)

On our morning trail
Where beginnings never end
Imagination
Meanders around each bend
Conscious of nature’s haven






.


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 … and I can send you a PayPal account,
for the Book, plus Postage.


Ivor Steven ©  February 2026

The Poet’s Lucky Envelope Humdrum


While waiting for my CHW article to appear last night, I found myself knee‑deep in “lucky envelopes” for the book‑stall dip — a poet’s version of factory work, complete with midnight muttering and a very patient supervisor. Somewhere between the folding and the stacking, this little whimsy arrived.


The Poet’s Lucky Envelope Humdrum


A poem a day is my way;
print five copies of each without delay.
Do not overflow the out tray –
place the copies in relay,
the next five crossways …
and so on – it’s child’s play.

Fold each foolscap page in half,
then fold again, into quarters.
Any fool can do it!
Open an envelope,
shove in the folded page
(No need for that frustrated rage).
Start a row of five;
put the next five on top …
and so on – it’s child’s play
’til midnight ends the day.





And for the soundtrack to this late‑night humdrum, here’s Leonard Cohen and U2 with Tower of Song — a perfect companion for a poet quietly working under the watchful eye of Frankie.




Ivor Steven ©  February 2026

Christmas Eve, Frankie Goes To Ballarat

The day before Christmas, and as usual, we are traveling to Ballarat for the week to enjoy the festive season with our brother and sister. My brother kindly drove down from Ballarat to pick us up.

Frankie is packed and ready to go … Frankie is in the back seat on the way to Ballarat


Frankie quickly makes himself at home in the bedroom and on the lounge with my brother, Lawrie


Then, after dinner, we go for a pleasant walk up Black Hill.


At the end of the day, Frankie is due for a good night’s sleep







Ivor Steven (c) December 2025

Frankie’s Market Day

7.00 am, walkies time, and Frankie spots a Rabbit

.

8.00 am Breakfast, then a short nap before we go

.

9.00 am In the car, ready to go, and the local magpie waves us goodbye

.

9.30 am, We are at our Market stall. Frankie is helping me set up shop.

.

10.00 am, and we are all set and ready for market opening time

.

Frankie seems to have everything under control

.

.





Ivor Steven (c) December 2025