ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

There's this little place we love to camp a couple of hours drive from our hometown of Tumut,every year we camp three or four times, depending on weather and time.It's situated in the Yass valley, near WeeJasper.It's on the Micalong Creek, which runs into the Goodradigbee river. On a camp earlier this year I penned this poem, hope you enjoy it.

Micalong
When the working week is over, and you're tired and feeling down,
it's time to pack the camping gear, and head off out of town.
Mind the road its rough and winding, take it easy drive with care,
as you head towards Wee Jasper, down the hill and soon your there.

It's a little piece of heaven, where we love to come and stay,
we've been coming here for years now,to relax, have fun and play.
You can come in any season,but for me I must confess,
that my favorite time is Autumn, when the trees are at their best.

Our camp is set up quickly, water drawn and fire set,
then it's off to go exploring, do some fishing and get wet.
On the track down to the river, where the Goodra meets the creek,
you'll see water dragons basking,on the rocks as warmth they seek.

Now the swimming hole is calling, you can't wait to take a dip,
edge your way in nice and slowly, mind the rocks or you may slip.
As the evening shadows nightfall, the campfire's all aglow,
we sing songs and tell life's stories, then its off to bed we go.

You're awoken in the morning, by the jackass laughing loud,
pull the zip down, poke your head out, in the sky there's not a cloud.
So you quietly boil the billy, for that early morning cup,
and enjoy the quiet surroundings, as the brew you slowly sup.

Turn your eyes towards the valley, let them wander way up high,
where you'll see a wedge-tailed eagle, soaring gently 'cross the sky.
Close your eyes now, hear birds calling, bringing music to the ear,
ducks on water, fish are rising, nature's hand is busy here.

In this moment feel the magic, and the tension - it's all gone.
Get away from all your worries, spend some time at Micalong.

Sue Pearce ©

Now for another question, I like to use punctuation marks when writing, but I'v noticed a lot of poets dont use it, what is the preferance and are there rules applying to this? Look forward to your replies.

Lovely poem Sue and you set a picturesque scene.

I recently got marked down in a comp for not putting in a comma. Punctuation is important and you will be marked down for not using it and I presume for using it incorrectly.

It's a good idea to put a copyright symbol next to your name on the poem.

It seems to be the done thing NOT to start each line with capitals now unless it is a new sentence.

You have a couple of typos. First stanza last line your should be you're

Campire should be campfire.

Enjoyed the read,

Heather

Sue Bill Here My greatest problem is also lack of puntuation so use it when ever you need to. Judges I believe are sticklers for it when you think about it puntuations are nessesary other wise when you read it where do you stop, pause or carry on. I have a pretty good idea where you go as I often used to go to Woollgalow as Ilive in Queanbeyan.

Bill the old Battler

If you don't use punctuation sometimes the whole concept of your poem is lost so IMO it is important - ditto spelling






When the working week is over, and you're tired and feeling down, (abbreviation for you are so apostrophe required )
It's time to pack the camping gear, and head off out of town. (it's is short for it is- it is - so you need one here as well - when you put it in, it is not any shorter really is it? )
Mind the road it's rough and winding, take it easy, drive with care, ( same deal as above)
as you head towards Wee Jasper, down the hill and soon you're there. (comma after previous word so no cap required here and you're short for you are so again " needed)

Having been nit picky I must say Sue I loved this poem...it just flows so well and was a very relaxing read and great descriptions as well. Didn't realize you and wee Jasper (Brush) were acquainted

Cheers

Maureen

Thanks for the input, Marty, Heather, Bill and Maureen, your advice is very welcome, and will most definitely be taken on board.
Sue

Ezra Pound said that poetry should be written at least as well as prose.
( Writing Poetry,Sweeney & Williams, 2008 )

I am certain that he wasn't talking about ( rhymes with tree nurse ) he meant spelling, punctuation,syntax and importantly clarity.

I think you are well on the way Sue because you obviously have an ear for the metre and the " swing " of the ballad.

Loverly poetic names . . . Micalong Ck, Goodradigbee River and WeeJasper. You've painted it well, Sue.

Cheers, Marty

Hi Sue
Really enjoying your poetry - I know you are new to the site, but have you been writing poetry for awhile?
You obviously have a natural flair/or understanding of rhythm, because each of your poems flow very well.
Punctuation is very important if you enter written comps, and even if you are just posting poems for others to read - as Maureen says, lack of it can alter the context or interpretation of your poem.

If you are very new to writing poetry - which I doubt! - have you had the chance to look at the tutorials on the main ABPA site? They offer some excellent advice on writing and performing poetry from some of our top poets - well worth looking at.

The one thing you do need to remember when any of us offer advice - at the end of the day, it is your poem, and only you know what you are attempting to say in your poem. We make suggestions from our perspective, but no one expects that you have to take those suggestions on board. Many times, our suggestions may change the context of your poem, so please don't ever feel bad if you don't want to take them up. None of us will take offense!

When I first started posting poetry on the Bush verse site, I tried hard to accommodate everyone's suggestions - to the point that my poems were not what I was intending them to be. After some excellent advice from our guru - Glenny Palmer - I have learnt to take only that advice which enhances my poems, and leave that which doesn't, without feeling guilty!!

Look forward to reading more of your poetry - it is great, and very easy to read.

Catchya
IRene

Thanks for the advice Irene, I started writing poetry in January this year after years of making up poems and stories to tell my children and grandchilren. Last christmas my kids presented me with a lovely leather bound ledger and a request to have these tales permanently recorded {I think their worried I might kick the bucket soon,lol}, so I'm keen to get the job done, but in the best way possible.I take on board all the advice I'v been given,that's the reason I joined the sight.Six months ago I could'nt even turn a computer on, so feel I have come a long way and each day brings new and exciting things,So glad your enjoying the poems,
Sue

no need for tissues here!,phew!,what a savings!lol