NEW BEGINNINGS

[Maureen K Clifford]

NEW BEGINNINGS

Maureen Clifford © 09/11





In a bowl were white peaches, green apples, bananas,
on the dresser a vase held red roses displayed.
The small timber cottage had wisteria rambling
across the verandahs’ where small children played.
Black coffee was bubbling, you heard ironbark crackling
away in the wood stove – split red logs, well dried.
The stallion and mares were grazing near the old bridge,
the sunlight reflected from their shining hides.

This place was the sanctuary that they had chosen
far away from the city - a last minute change
where the scenery was pretty, the air fresh and clean,
they were clearing the clutter; felt it fair exchange
for removing the stress from their lives – gaining freedom
from lifestyles where all now seemed bent out of shape.
They enjoyed having time to drink freshly brewed coffee
as their children played ‘neath green vines laden with grape.

Summer in the city was now just a memory.
Trapped heat reflecting back from pavements and walls,
with streets always busy with cars, trucks and buses
and tiny backyards with no room to kick balls.
Out here they had acres and acres of paddocks,
four horses, two dogs, one brown calf and a lamb.
Some chickens for eggs and a pig they called Bacon
though doubtful it was that he’d ever be ham.

All was right with their world though they’d not the convenience
of movies, and swimming pools, beaches or bars,
but they both revelled in the unfettered relationship
shared daily with nature and nightly with stars.
The kids health was better- no trace now of asthma -
and bored they were not, for they had room to play.
The fact they must drive for one hour to the corner store
both thought was really such a small price to pay.

[Maureen K Clifford]

my neighbour shared some fresh eggs from his 3 girls with me - they have just come into full lay and I hear them cackling, causing my two girls to race downstairs to see what all the commotion is about - and I realize again just how much I miss living on a country property and how much I miss having my animals around me.

Might have to ask him if I can cuddle a chook.

On the subject of animals went with a friend to see Zookeeper ...we were rolling on the floor laughing with tears in our eyes...just the best feel good movie - next week we are going to see Johnny English with Rowan Atkinson...we have both decided thata good laugh is great for what ails us

[Bob Pacey]

Well written Maureen, but I felt it is not finished ?????

Don't know why just seems to drift away at the end .


Cheers Bob