Tag: Poetry/Australia

Throwback Friday, Connected

Today, my Throwback Friday poem was originally inspired by the three photos in my article … The photos were all taken by Derrick Knight, who kindly allowed me to reproduce them here for my poem “Connected” …
The poem also appears in our collaborative Book of Poems and Photographs, “Perceptions”, on page 19.


You may visit Derrick’s fabulous site by clicking on this link >> https://derrickjknight.com/2021/11/19/traffic-control-duties/



Connected


up there

under draconian dark clouds

I see a blue moon rising

gracefully shrouding the horizon

meanwhile

back here

on terra firma

woodland autumn leaves are

colourfully crowning her mounds

where nature’s

unruffled fauna are found

gratefully grazing upon her

wounded ground









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

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 2024

Do You Have The Key?


“I’m just being dramatic
In fact,
I’m only at it again
As an addict with a pen
Who’s addicted to the wind
As it blows me back and forth
Mindless, spineless, and pretend
Of course I’ll be here again
See you tomorrow“
… Lyrics from “Addict With A Pen”, by Twenty One Pilots





Do You Have The Key?




Come fly with me

Above the trees

Where the air is free

To glide with glee

On the solar breeze

There is no need to plea

On bended knee

Like a refugee

I have the key

To help you flee

Your draught-less captivity

And together, we’ll foresee

The integrity of your destiny







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

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 2024

Cold Feet





Cold Feet


I wandered outside
the evening air
was damp and cold
and the moon was sharing
the dappled midnight sky
with dark satiny clouds

forlornly I looked up
and quizzically asked the moon
“I have failed
my words were drowned in the hail
I’m poor and unbound
all I have is muddy ground
who listens anyhow?
where do I go now?”

do not fret my friend
“as Confucius said,
It does not matter how slowly you go
as long as you do not stop
and that old Japanese Proverb
Fall down seven times, stand up eight “

I wandered back inside
the desk lantern was still burning
I reopened my torn notebook
and begun writing again







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

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 2024

Destination


My poem ‘Destination’ is a “Writing between the lines” exercise for the May gathering of our Dome Poets group here in Geelong. I chose Leonard Cohen’s poem, ‘The Goal’ (attached below my poem), for my attempt to write a poem between each of his lines!

Over at Weekly Prompts, the Weekend Challenge is: Departure. Please visit their fabulous site by clicking on >> Here.
Between here and there, “Destination” is a part of Departure



Destination, by Ivor Steven

The curtains are open
The front door is ajar
So, I can hear her sing
From her distant star

I do not own much
My soul is a gold mine
I haven’t lost my touch
My heart is kind

I share what I have
I have hope and love
Couldn’t stop the flood
Couldn’t hold her glove

I walk alone
I look content
Regrets are few
Despair ferments

I push on and on
I do not complain
I’m still alive
I’m numb to the pain

No one asks
No one knows
About finality
Under the snow


===========================

“The Goal”, by Leonard Cohen


I can’t leave my house
Or answer the phone
I’m going down again
But I’m not alone

Settling at last
Accounts of the soul
This for the trash
That paid in full

As for the fall, it
Began long ago
Can’t stop the rain
Can’t stop the snow

I sit in my chair
I look at the street
The neighbor returns
My smile of defeat

I move with the leaves
I shine with the chrome
I’m almost alive
I’m almost at home

No one to follow
And nothing to teach
Except that the goal
Falls short of the reach







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

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 2024

“Tonight, Hold Your Curtain Open”, is in this week’s edition of Coffee House Writers Magazine.

Hello dear readers and followers, I am a writer for “Coffee House Writers magazine” (USA), on a fortnightly basis, and my poem “Tonight, Hold Your Curtain Open”, is in this week’s edition of Coffee House Writers Magazine. …
To Read my poem, please click on the link below to visit the article, at Coffee House Writers Magazine.
>> https://coffeehousewriters.com/tonight-hold-your-curtain-open/







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

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 2024

Nature’s Oceanic Symphony 





Nature’s Oceanic Symphony 

 
 
 
Beyond the dunes 

That is where I belong 

Lying on a sandy beach

Watching the ocean’s waves  

Lyrically draw rippled contours 

Upon the welcoming shoreline 


And where I refreshingly  

Listen to the rolling sound  

Of Nature’s Oceanic Symphony  

Rhythmically thrum, over and over  







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

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 2024

Throwback Friday, The Woman In Me

Me, sitting on Mum’s knee. … L to R, Carole, Aunties Elizabeth & Pearl, & Grandma

Grandma, and her 3 daughters. … My mum (left) and her lady relatives



G’day readers, It’s Friday morning here in Australia, the day after my mother’s birthday and Mother’s Day is this Sunday. Today’s Throwback Friday poem is, from September 2019.


The Woman In Me


Inside every man

There is a woman

The mother of his soul

The lady of his heart

The kindness in his touch

The passion in his blood

The woman who fostered

The way he shows love







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

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 2024

“Who Knows?” Said the Sun






“Who Knows?” Said the Sun



the clouds appear to be
ascending up
or are they
descending down
“who knows?”
said the smiling Sun
or was that his frown


what is right?
what is wrong?
going up
or falling down
growing up
or losing your crown
slowing up
or dying on the ground

“who knows what’s next?”
said the setting Sun
“in your shady annex
full of loaded guns,
existing
remains complex”







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

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 2024

Centenarians

At ‘The Dunes’ cafe/restaurant, Ocean Grove, near Mum and Dad’s old family home, “Tullawalla”.




Centenarians


Today

We had a family remembrance party

For our dear departed parents

They were both born in 1924

One hundred years ago!


Today

We gathered to celebrate

Their love and loyalty for each other

And to proudly honour

The love and incredible support

We all unconditionally received






Ivor Steven (c) May 2024

Wrap the World in Rainbows (a Tanka)

Over at Weekly Prompts, the Weekend Colour Challenge is: Orange – you may visit their fabulous site by clicking on >> Here.
Orange is the colour of energy and happiness, and I dream of solving the world’s problems by wrapping the “Earth In Rainbows”



Wrap the World in Rainbows (a Tanka)




Below the rainbow’s

Protective arch, nature’s birds

Know their nests are safe

Away from humanity’s

Hard rains and murderous wars







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

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 2024