ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Hello,
Struggling to find time to write. Something I lament.

Only got 3 versus out for last month....

A photograph black, white and grey
'tween folds of yellowed card
evokes a time, a place, a man
for this nostalgic bard.

Immediately I'm at the scene
where Pop sits by the fire
and in his hand a toasting fork -
a piece of twisted wire.

I'm hit then with a memory smell,
fresh bread and musty walls,
of burning wood and frying eggs
and polished lino halls.

Did a little better this time...

How are you Wen?
Well,

Stenosis in my spine and Psoriasis on my head
Bursitis in my hip becomes a numb and wonky leg
I’m overweight, My eyes are dim, I’ve not a single tooth
Uncle Arthur set up squatters rights, I’ve lost that bloom of youth.

Age spots pop up overnight, my hair is thinning out,
The word replacement gives me shakes, I’m terrified of Gout.
My patience gave up waiting and my memory sprung a leak,
The thing I lost today I hope will turn up in a week.

Thoughts are spinning in my head, the only thing that’s fast.
I need a wee break on the hour, I really hope I’ll last…………..Oops!

Cholesterol is high and yet my iron levels, low
My brain, it says, “go get ‘em girl!” my body says go slow.
So when you ask me “how are you?” These words are in my head
I’ll think a second then I say “I’m fine, and You?” instead.

Good to see you back on board and having a go Wen - and with a sense of humour still intact ... always a good thing that, gets us through many a troubled time doesn't it. I enjoyed the read

As for that list of ailments I'm sure many of us will relate to them - getting old is not for sissies you have to be tough to survive as long as we have

G/day glad you popped in again Wendy.

Liked both of your poems, the mention of the twisted wire toasting fork brought back memories,
having used one myself in far distant past.

It's when you realize that you have well and truly left middle age behind, you know you're on a slippery downhill slope.

Cheers Wendy

Terry

These are great, Wendy. I like the way you use the senses to create images in the first one, and of course the sense of humour coming through strongly in the second, as Maureen says. The last line is great because we all do this - ponder what to say, and then just give up because it's much easier to say "I'm fine, and You?" instead!! I enjoyed reading these - thanks, Wendy.

Well done Wendy, enjoyed them both.
Not surprising though that you can't find time to write, but with all those ailments you are doing pretty well!
Cheers
Ron

Love both poems Wendy … just as Catherine said, the contrasts between the word pictures and the humour is very appealing. Glad to have you joining us and no pressure - we’re all time-poor these days and have our times when writing takes a back seat.

Cheers
Shelley