ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

An interesting set of prompts this week, Maureen - and quite a challenge to weave in the couple that are seemingly unrelated to the others! However, I know it amuses you when we come out of left field with our contributions, so here's mine ...

THE TALKER
(c) Shelley Hansen 5/10/17

I’ve got a friend who won’t shut up, and always wants to talk
through TV programs, concerts – or while striding on a walk.
I wonder where she gets the breath, the stamina to keep
her vocalising going. Does she do it in her sleep?

I’m dozing in the sunshine, soaking up a coastal scene
while in my ear, like tumbling rocks, the monologue has been
progressing for an hour until it lands like river scree -
a weight upon my senses which are straining to be free.

I try to stem the flow. I fail to answer, but it’s clear
that even when I interrupt, the talker doesn’t hear.
The content of the diatribe is like a complex play
with folk I’ve never met, and never want to, may I say.

I hear about the bogan from the bush who came to share
his country ways with city folk – and caused some trouble there.
She speculates on whether Cousin Jane will tie the knot
and whether Effie's operation fixed that “trouble spot”.

I feel like I’ve been trapped for half a lifetime at the least -
much more and it will soon be time to fix a midnight feast!
I feel like Elvis felt when that “night rider” came to town ...
'cos “I ain’t had no peace of mind”. I wish she’d just pipe down!

I can relate to this with a couple of people I know, Shelley - thanks for the smile!

Well done Shelley - a very innovative use of the prompts as well - Your poem reminds me of a co-worker I knew who we called Mrs Havachat - she didn't get a lot of work done but boy oh boy could she carry a conversation

Yep, I agree about the prompts, but you've got around them very neatly, Shelley...and, like Catherine, I know someone who does exactly that! "Like a complex play with folk I've never met" sums it up beautifully.

Cheers
David

Thanks Maureen, Catherine and David!

At least I’ve succeeded in demonstrating that the fine art of doggerel is not dead!

Shelley

Never dead as long as poets have breath and own dogs