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Ode to Ama – A Bush Ballad

I am reprising my poem about my little dog, Ama, for the NaPoWriMo prompt about dogs you have known, seen, or heard about.  It is the best poem I’ve ever written (if I do say so myself) so I can’t offer any better.  The poem is written in the style of bush poetry (ie. it’s long) and there’s a nod to Banjo Patterson’s iconic poem, The Man From Snowy River.  In that poem, “the Man” rides his mountain pony down a steep hill after a herd of brumbies (wild horses).  There is some controversy as to whether that poem was a true story.  Unlike Mr Patterson’s poem, I can vouch that Ode to Ama is completely true.  Enjoy. Read more

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Horse Tales

A long time ago in a land far away, my True Love and I had a big adventure.  It was on our European backpacking tour of ’91.  While we were in Ireland, we decided we would lash out (spend up big) and take an organised day tour of Killarney National Park.  Our mode of transport was horse and cart, and then dinghy for the return across Loch Léin to Ross Castle (I hope I’ve got that right.  It was such a long time ago).  For the more intrepid traveler, there was the option of riding a horse.  Now I’m not that intrepid but I used to be a good rider, so I chose to ride.  My True Love wisely chose to travel by cart. Read more

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King Of The Flies

I forgot to include this photo of a beautiful fly in my November Changing Seasons post.  You know the weather is warming up when the blow flies come a-visiting.  Maybe these exquisitely beautiful creatures are not such a pain after all.  Unlikely praise for the king of the flies. Read more

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My Lovely Horse

I’ve gone from light programming to the sublimely ridiculous.  As one does.  We’ve got a big race coming up in a couple of weeks in Australia.  It’s the race that stops a nation – the Melbourne Cup.  I’m ambivalent about it.  I thought I would get in early with a canter counter-point. Read more

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Sounds of Zen – A Parody

In honour of the National Folk Festival (Australia), which opens tonight (Thursday), I have written a little parody that I thought I would test out on you, dear Readers.  I have no idea whether I will be brave enough to recite it at any of the poetry workshops.  I never have before.  It depends on your feedback.   If you are really brave, you can try to sing along to the tune of the Sounds of Then, which was written and performed by Ganggajang (you’ll have to sing over the top of their words).  I won’t be singing come performance time.  I’ve provided a link to the original song below.  Aussies may find this fun, but others will probably be completely flummoxed.  Please note there is a certain amount of hyperbole used in this poem.

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Snow White and the Two Coos

WordPress Daily Prompt   –  Captivating

I’ve never been much of a camper.  Until recently, I could count the number of times I’ve been camping on one hand.   For something different, and to save money, my love and I decided to take a driving/camping holiday en route to visit family in Queensland.  We had no excuses because my big boy worked in a camping store so he could kit us out.  I now realise what I’ve missed out on my whole life.  This is the story of our first night camping. Read more