Life, Beyond the Lines


Today’s poem is in response to Sadje’s Photo Prompt >> What do you see # 294- 23 June, 2025 – – https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/2025/06/23/what-do-you-see-294-23-june-2025/


My poem can be interpreted into both of Sadje’s prompt images.



Life, Beyond the Lines


Life’s a continual battle
but the battle lines
are there to be crossed

Life’s wondrous museum
inspires me to keep exploring
the universe’s grand Colosseum



 




Ivor Steven © June 2025

My iPad Cushion





My iPad Cushion


In the mornings
I like to lie in bed
And use my iPad
I sit up with pillows
Behind my back
And I have a rolled-up white towel
That I use as an iPad cushion
And Frankie usually sleeps on my feet

However, on this cold winter morning
Frankie decided to snuggle up closer
Which enabled me to rest the iPad
On his white, fluffy head
Without even a blink of an eye lid
He was simply happy to be near me





Ivor Steven © June 2025

A Pretty Poet Fairy


Above, the pretty poet fairy and my neighbouring stallholder, Meagan





A Pretty Poet Fairy

We all believe in the magical world of fairies
And we all know about
The mischievous toadstool fairies
And the benevolent tooth fairies
Naiads and Nymphs are nature’s
Wondrous water-bound fairies
And I personally chat to the Dryads
Our wise and protective tree fairies

Today, at the Makers Market
I was lucky enough
To meet a pretty poet fairy
She was curiously fascinated
By my yellow ‘Lucky-dip’ bucket
“Dig deep, and take a poem home”

“May I?” she politely asked
“You are more than welcome”
She gently grabbed a lucky envelope
and sweetly grinned
“May I take one for my sister”
“Yes, of course”
“Oh, I have a little sister too!
Amused, I said, “No worries”
“And my dad likes poetry too!”
“That’s lovely, you must have a wonderful dad”
Her enchanting smile made my day






Ivor Steven (c) June 2025

Redefining My Lines




Redefining My Lines



I was a brittle piece of old oak
After suffering my three strokes
Which had left me in a dim coal mine
Where I was a fish out of water
Left hanging on the line
To shudder and totter

Recovery was a gradual incline
That felt like a slippery alpine
But I kept on thinking
Everything would be fine
If I never stopped dreaming
Of redefining myself, on cloud nine

In my adaptable mind
I have thrown myself a new lifeline
Via a bundle of woolly Canadian twine
And it is now my time
To enjoy a new bed of roses and wine






Ivor Steven (c) June 2025

Throwback Friday, Floating on the Moon

Today’s Throwback Friday was written in January 2021



Hello readers and followers, today, I am continuing with my theme of “Moom” poems. If you need to chat with me, “I am up here floating on the moon.





Floating On The Moon

I am not always wrong
And at times, I may have been right
Behind my mask, I smile
And at times, I grimace

Numbness has entered my bones
Clumsiness guides my pen
Awkwardness precedes my stride
Uneasiness resonates in my voice

I am not able to walk on water
And at times, I have sunk like a stone
I live within my soul’s cocoon
And at times, I am floating on the moon






Ivor Steven (c) June 2025

Creative Geelong Market Day, This Saturday, June 21st

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 my “New Bookstall Set-up”






Ivor Steven (c) June 2025

Winter Companions for ‘Theo’

I’ve been having computer problems lately, and I’m frustrated with Microsoft’s “Error” shutdowns.
So, I decided to spend the day in my courtyard garden. I had already purchased two plants to pot in my empty hanging baskets: a Fuchsia Hybrid (“Flash” with a magenta and red flower) and a Phlox Subulata (‘ McDaniels Cushion’ with a pink flower).
Firstly, I had to install a beam from which the baskets could hang! Anyhow, without going into too much detail, four hours later the task was completed.
The main purpose of my project is to provide ‘Theo’ with some colourful companions over his arduous winter journey.


‘Theo’, bottom, left of centre, looking up at the two hanging baskets.


This evening’s photos of the Fuchsia (“Francis”), Phlox Subulata (“Daniel”), and “Theo”





Ivor Steven (c) June 2025

Dry Eyes (a Micro Poem)


Eugi’s Poem (Prompt)

lingering scents
from nature’s vases
June celebration

Moonwashed Musings Weekly Prompt >> Let one or more words in my poem be your inspiration. >>https://amanpan.com/2025/06/17/moonwashed-weekly-prompt-june-17-2025-happy-birthday-to-me




Dry Eyes (a Micro Poem)



The enthusiastic blackbirds
Faithfully re-enact
Their daily rain dance
However, nature’s lingering clouds
Have forgotten how to cry







Ivor Steven (c) June 2025