CONVERSE IN VERSE

"BITS N' PIECES"

" How're ya goin', old mate? " says he

as he drew on a pipe so foul

"Tell me about your aches and pains "

with that he tried hard to scowl.

"Well, it's this way, mate " said the lanky one

"the aches and pains are there..

I amble a bit and lope to one side..

but I've still got most of my hair..

and I bought my teeth, and my glasses, of course

and the hip is a work of art..

I'm feelin' quite fine, for a fella my age

so long as I don't fall apart!"

(c) Crissouli

(image courtesy of Kara78)

CONNECTIONS

Sober men in sober suits

standing in long grey rows of seriousness..

bearded bikies brandishing bravery

as much a uniform as their brothers..

chanting parades of protesters

waving banners, wildly..

or a mother and child

blowing dandelions in the breeze..

who's to decide whose need

for peace is greater?

Me, you, or all ..

linking hands of friendship

across the world..

(c) Crissouli










PRESERVATIVES - ADDED

Plastic, vinyl
imitation life
scattered impressions
false images
artificial flowers
with artificial promises
of false scents
fear
of reality
of perfume..
It must be
instant
packaged
painted

dead...

(c) Crissouli

(c) http://zeninsights.com/page/2/

PRELUDE TO A TRYST

Once again

the greyness of approaching rain

casting it's oppression

as some huge, grey net

pervades,

ready to encompass the earth.

Brave, bright flowers,

the flagships of nature,

stand defiant..

daring the heavens

to drench them once more

knowing 

that yet again

they will store

conserve

absorb

throughout the heaviest bombardment

for they have a tryst

with springtime

and glory in the promise

of brilliance

yet to come.

© Crissouli

(c) Crissouli

A MOMENT… OR TWO.

The quiet stillness of the morn

envelops me

wrapped in a cocoon of peace

and solitude.

I, at first, feel tense

so much to do

yet, too early for most.

Time to relax, yet I shower, 

quickly,

not willing to let the first

rays of sunlight elude me.

In the distance,

a bird calls to it's mate

welcoming a new dawning.

Time to sit and think

and write

to welcome God's gift

Of a brand new day.

Too late, the haunting bark 

of the alsatian next door

shatters the stillness of the dawn.

Then, once again, peace

and quiet. 

A steaming cup of coffee

my only companion.

Thank you, Lord,

for these Blessed moments

and, more importantly,

a time of renewal.

© Crissouli

copyright expired

THE GIFT

They sit by the river bank

lost in the dreamtime

of modern man

amber glass reflecting

faded hopes and dreams.

One day rolls into another

and another

and another -

their sombulance disturbed

only with the coming 

of the dole cheque.

The cycle begins

again. 

We took them 

from their nomadic life

'saved' them

from themselves

and gave the 'gift'

of civilisation.

"Forget your past

your culture

your dreams -

come… live...

our way."

We took their very soul

and let them watch - 

from a distance.

Today, they sit

by the river bank. 

We frown

and pass on by. 

© Crissouli 

A QUIET MOMENT

Silently, she sat, and all around was still

Just a bird trilled now and then, softly first, then shrill.

She pondered for just a while, about her family and friends

Unaware, she turned her rings, and mused, that’s how a courtship ends.

It changes, without a fanfare, to a marriage, sound and strong,

To a wonderful companionship, that lasts a whole life long.

She needed time to tell him how much she loved him so, 

To thank him, for all the years, of caring; he had to know.

For life was always changing, sometimes bad, but mostly good.

She needed him and cared for him, as only a woman could.

Though routine becomes boring and somehow gets you down

When love’s beside you, smiling, how could you wear a frown?

Silently, she sat, and thanked the Lord above

She’d found the elusive happiness, she’d found a husband’s love.

(c) Crissouli

OUTSIDE, LOOKING IN

Peer as I might, I cannot see

I cannot enter that distant world

There are glimpses now and then

That beckon me

They come to tease me

They taunt and pester.

"I am not gone

I am not going

I am here. 

Do I not look the same

Am I not talking to you

Sitting with you

Can I not ask you questions?"

And then you do, again and again

Wanting answers, not hearing

Not accepting, ask again.

I mourn, I curse the silent thief

That takes you day by day

But, not yet, you still are mine.

I'm outside, but I'm looking in.

© Crissouli 2013

IS ANYBODY LISTENING?

Can you hear me, are you listening?

I know I'm still the same inside

I get muddled and confused 

and I know I remember everything

sometimes, on some days, somehow…

So, I don't know whether I've taken my tablet,

nor can I remember having breakfast

but I remember the soft, still light of dawn.. 

I remember greeting you for the first time

holding you in my arms, it was you, wasn't it

born on a still autumn morn, 

dark haired and with the tiniest fingers..

It was you, your mother cradling you in her arms

looking even more beautiful than ever..

and crying, I remember the tears, 

her tears, for her own mother would never hold you, 

never share her dreams for you.

I'm sorry I asked you that same thing so many times

but I can't remember your answer 

for more than a moment, maybe two

… will you be home for dinner? 

What time did you say, when… when will you be home?

Have I taken my tablet? I can't remember…

But I do remember your mother's beautiful voice

as she sang an Irish Lullaby

was that to you or one of the others…

maybe to all of you, each of you, others.

What will I cook for dinner, when will you be home?

Please don't get angry, I can't remember

When will you be home?

What's for dinner? Is it ready, am I cooking?

Who cooked dinner, when will you be home…

I can hear my voice, I know I can't remember

but I haven't forgotten the laughter

that wonderful, gentle laughter that ended in a burst of sound, 

then tears rolling down her cheeks when she couldn't stop.

Where's your mother, I can't find her

Please bring her home, where's your mother now?

I need to talk to her, where is she? 

tell her I'm waiting for her… will she be back soon?

I need her… 

is anybody listening?

© Crissouli 2013

(c) Steven Pearce 

ULURU WILL WOO YOU

Uluru will woo you

Or so the Aussies say

It will haunt you and beguile you

and make you want to stay.

It's mystical and eerie

and different night and day

and majestic during sunset

enchanting on a rainy day.

It's important in the Dreamtime

created by a battle that was grand

between Liru and Kunia 

both from the southern land..

then there were Metalungana and Linga

they were not to be outdone, 

for they made the largest part in the southern sun.

Mala, Tjinderi-tjinderiba, Yulanya and Kulpunya

they created most of the north

then along with Kandju, the western part came forth…

many more spirits from the Dreamtime

all helped to make this monolith so grand

magical, majestic, Uluru of the Southern Land.

© Crissouli

with thanks to

*  http://austhrutime.com/mythology_uluru.htm

*  Pauleen Cass for the inspirational title…

http://troppont.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/uluru-will-woo-you/

 and for the most amazing photo of Uluru

my thanks go to Steven Pearce of Steven Pearce Photography 

who kindly allowed me to share his wonderful photo.

Do have a look at Steve's work as on his website 

www.stevenpearcephoto.com

Make sure to visit his blog
which you will find via the above link

Full details are on his contact page.

Steven Pearce Photography

Ph:   0447 690 263