Today’s Throwback Friday Poem is another poem from my book “Tullawalla”, which I originally wrote in September 2019
A Chalice of Champagne (Tullawalla, page 103)
Once upon a time In the days of rhyme When learning to climb I saw my neon sign Slowly die by design
An angel’s teardrop fell Ringing the church bell And missing my empty well From the tower of song, I wanted to yell But life does not let you dwell
Despite the annual September rain I trekked over flooded plains Avoiding delta swamps of pain Scaling the same old mountain again Searching for our chalice of champagne
It was “our”48th Anniversary on the 10th of September, and my Throwback poem was written when I was recovering from 2nd and 3rd strokes, and of course, during that time I was not allowed to drive …
Whispering Flowers (Tullawalla, page 41)
Whispering Flowers
I went shopping this morning To buy her flowers For our anniversary day A bus trip to the local florist Then I boarded another bus to the cemetery My first time on a bus carrying flowers Bouquet in hand, on I hopped You could’ve heard a pin drop Over the silence, I heard solemn whispers The men on the bus, courteously nodded And the ladies knowingly smiled Gratified, I dipped my cap in acknowledgement Then I started to sense the day’s emotions arise And with my honesty glowing, I felt proudly special
The “Epilogue” poem “Words of Mine” from my book Tullawalla, has been revised many times since my original version, written in November 2017, and the Tullawalla version is definitely my finale piece. Featured Image Above: An Illustration by my niece, Kerri Costello, for the ‘Epilogue’ poem, “Words of Mine” (Tullawalla, page 153)
Words of Mine(The Epilogue, in my book ‘Tullawalla’)
I’ve given you all, my humble words I’ve given you, my hidden soul Words trickling, through cool mountain streams Words dripping off the frozen ashen trees Words gliding across the icy lakes Words of love, drowning in the memory rains
I’ve given you all, my inner self I’ve given you, my outer grief Words Tumbling over the embedded rocks Words twisting along winding rivers Words cascading down the forest waterways Words sifting through my barren hands
I’ve given you all, my lonely heart I’ve given you, my secret loves Words of life, living under the vast oceans Words of time, travelling to the stars beyond Words flowing through happiness, and sorrow Words of mine, destiny’s dreams of tomorrow
“Words”, A song by Hailie Andersen(France), adapted from my poem ‘Words of Mine’ … Click on the Link below Hailie’s photo to listen to the ‘Soundcloud’ Audio
Spring has begun and the trees are In blossom … this glorious spring day has prompted me to repost “Blossom Over Jerusalem” a poem that also appears in my book Tullawalla Over at Weekly Prompts, for the month of September, the Colour Challenge is: Brown. Please visit their fabulous site by clicking on >> HERE … and here my poem captures the “brown” winter trees blossoming at the beginning of spring
I am not sure how to explain my inner feelings within my heart today. I know Dad and Mum would be proud of my achievements, and that my Dear Carole would be crying tears of “Liquid Joy” for me … I received the most wonderful news today … my books “Tullawalla and Perceptions” have been accepted by the Geelong Regional Library, and will soon be available on Library’s bookshelves. A big thank you to Kim, the Collection Support & Information Services Officer at the Geelong Library, for accepting my books. When I began writing (scribbling) poetry 22 years ago, not long after my first stroke, Leonard Cohen’s music and poetic lyrics had a huge influence on the emotions behind my words, and probably his song I have attached below, “One of Us Cannot Be Wrong”, still evokes my heart every time I listen to the incredibly beautiful lyrics.
It’s Just A Little Dream (Tullawalla, page 113)
I’ve been waiting inside For that never-never ride Wishing for that little shrug To turn into a dream-time hug
I’ve been waiting outside Trying not to hide Wishing for that little smile To travel one more mile
I’ve been waiting all-day Calling out, please stay Wishing for that little heartbeat To lay down at my feet
I’ve been waiting all-night For that one-way flight Wishing for that little dove To glide down from above
I’ve been waiting, seems forever Crying quietly, oh, whatever Wishing for that little embrace To sleep with me, face to face
This morning my Publisher/Editor, Judy, delivered a large box full of “Perceptions” books to my front door… and the final product has far exceeded my expectations. I had a few tears of joy run down my face, so I thought the poem “Sogginess Sets In” would be appropriate for my post today.
Today I run a Book Stall at the Pop Up Creatives Market here in Geelong (Newtown), along with the help of my Editor/Publisher, Judy. We didn’t sell many books, unfortunately the rainy day keep the patrons away. However my “Poem, Lucky Dip Bag” proved very popular, and we got to meet and chat with those who stopped by, and number a them opened up the poems and read their ‘lucky’ Tullawalla piece for me, and the smiles on the readers faces made my day …
The Market and my “Lucky Dip Bag”
Some of the other stalls
The stall opposite us. … Me and Judy behind our book stall display.
Overall, we had a very pleasant day at the Market and hopefully, I will be given another chance again soon …
Ivor.Plumber/Poet 