Homework 6th July - Curiosity...

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Catherine Lee
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Homework 6th July - Curiosity...

Post by Catherine Lee » Fri Jul 03, 2020 2:45 pm

Curiosity …

She recalled your name as Michael, though she didn’t sound too sure—
by the time we met, such details came too late;
you were certainly Australian, a labourer on leave
to New Zealand, over Christmas, ‘fifty-eight.
You had met her at a party – it was likely New Year’s Eve,
where the booze was flowing plentiful and strong
and resistance would be feeble – but you both were legal age,
so I’m not accusing you of any wrong.

I believe she asked, “What happens if the worst should come to pass?”
But you hushed her fears and said it would be fine;
I assume you left without a thought that this might not be so—
but the seed you sowed became the life that’s mine.
Then she battled bitter prejudice from family and friends—
I’m so grateful that she bravely saw it through,
for although you didn’t keep in touch nor ever meet again,
I was born, quite simply, due to her and you.

I was raised within the best of homes, loved more than words can say—
they will always be my only Mum and Dad;
but it’s natural to wonder now and then along the way
just exactly who you were – the life you had.
It is probable you never once imagined I’d exist,
and the dalliance just faded from your mind;
maybe just a fleeting memory of someone whom you kissed—
passing interlude enjoyed and left behind.

Were you shearer, drover, poet, miner, criminal or saint?
Were you wealthy man or poor? Of what descent?
And compassionate, good fun, or somewhat prickly and severe?
Were you larrikin, or prone to glum lament?
Maybe ailments might have burdened you? What views did you possess?
Did you treasure all that’s beautiful in life,
like its music, art and poetry? And did you ever love
with deep passion and longevity, a wife?

I am proud to be a Kiwi, love my home with all my heart,
while my links to British Isles I also prize;
and there’s yet another tie that simply cannot be denied,
though we never met or saw each other’s eyes.
For I’ve lived in your Great Southern Land, and feel this bond as well—
even written of its oceans, bush and plains—
so I’m also chuffed to know that though I haven’t any proof,
just a little Aussie blood runs through my veins.

© Catherine Lee, July 2020

Neville Briggs
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Re: Homework 6th July - Curiosity...

Post by Neville Briggs » Fri Jul 03, 2020 6:56 pm

A very good poem Catherine, and a great story. You have set out in plain language what must at times be quite a painful unknown and you have brought into it that slightly sad reflection without being maudlin. The ending on a positive note is great work. :) :)
Neville
" Prose is description, poetry is presence " Les Murray.

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Shelley Hansen
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Re: Homework 6th July - Curiosity...

Post by Shelley Hansen » Sat Jul 04, 2020 6:29 pm

Oh wow, Catherine! This is exquisite - for so many reasons. You have, as Neville says, tackled what must be a difficult and deeply personal subject, in such an objective and philosophical way, that I truly admire you!

On a purely technical note, this poem could be a winner in any field!

Interestingly, I've also chosen to write about my family tree - but in a completely different vein, and very much in your shadow. I'll be posting it shortly.

Cheers
Shelley
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http://www.shelleyhansen.com

"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

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Gary Harding
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Re: Homework 6th July - Curiosity...

Post by Gary Harding » Sun Jul 05, 2020 6:56 am

Wow Catherine!

Wonderful. The impact of your powerful writing rocked me right back on the computer-chair this morning and I nearly tipped over!

When I had finished reading your skillfully-written "Curiosity" I thought "holy smoke! where did those intense and yet so personal and sensitive lines come from?" The answer can only be that they flowed straight from your heart.

Finding a descriptive word in summary is difficult.... but exceptional comes to mind. Very well done. Gary

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Catherine Lee
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Re: Homework 6th July - Curiosity...

Post by Catherine Lee » Sun Jul 05, 2020 2:02 pm

Neville, Shelley, Gary - Wow, what can I say?! I am literally sitting here with tears in my eyes as I read your incredible feedback on this. I have never written about him before, and feel so deeply moved by everything you've said.... Neville, it was important to me to not come across as maudlin and to end positively, so I really appreciate how you've cut to that particular chase... You too, Shelley, in commenting that I've kept it philosophical and objective... And Gary - it means a great deal to me to know that this had such a powerful impact, and that you could see so clearly that it was indeed written straight from the heart.....Thank all of you so very much!

Terry
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Re: Homework 6th July - Curiosity...

Post by Terry » Sun Jul 05, 2020 3:43 pm

Hi Catherine

There's not much left to say that hasn't already been said,
So I'll just say - beautifully written.

Terry

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Catherine Lee
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Re: Homework 6th July - Curiosity...

Post by Catherine Lee » Sun Jul 05, 2020 5:48 pm

Thank you, Terry x

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