Sly Fox

Sneaky, sly fox 

Lurking in the bush 

Too close for sure 

Trying to catch those hares 

Our cute little creatures 

This fox is the snare 

Sniffing about those trails 

With such infinite care 

We saw it lurking 

Stopped our little car 

Watching and waiting 

It didn’t move an inch

For a full five minutes

It was as still as it could be 

Hoping that we didn’t really see...

31 July 2020

Happy Father’s Day 2020

I love you and miss you my darling dad 

A little girl’s love for her precious dad 

The most wonderful ever to be had

You know I always looked up to you

You were perfect; nothing you couldn’t do!

So many memories come flooding back to me 

As I think about those long ago days; you and me 

Together; doing so many fun things 

Playing games; enjoying everything 

I love and miss you my darling dad 

Thank you for all those precious times we had! 

7th September 2020

Laughter in the sunshine

Today I sat outside in the sunshine 

Absorbed some of that Vitamin D 

Listened to some lovely birds singing 

Enjoyed some quiet time just for me...

I haven’t laughed for a month or so

Been feeling so absolutely uptight 

God; it’s been so difficult you know 

But I think I finally see the light... 

Today I laughed a little 

Saw something worth a smile 

Enjoyed some lightheartedness 

You know it has been quite a while 

There is light at the end of the tunnel 

There is some reason to celebrate 

Good things are finally coming 

I’m ready to open up the proverbial gate...

30th September 2020

Dear Dad 2020

I miss you sorely my darling dad

Miss those long ago days you know 

Thank you for all those wonderful memories 

I’m so glad you were my precious dad...

Can’t quite remember early days in Geelong 

I guess I was simply way too young 

But many trips back there I do recall 

When we’d pack the car and drive all night

Stopping only for Petrol in darkest hours 

Alec and I would be fast asleep in the back 

Great times with our family friends 

Gyuszi Bacsi, Etta Neni, George and Gina 

Easter celebrations and so much more...

The house you built with your own dear hands 

In Moorook, upon your own first piece of land (SA)

I loved the three acres of sultana vines

The lonely almond tree became my own 

As I climbed those limbs; made it home... 

At Kingston-on-Murray we found some peace 

Beside the mighty Murray, among fruit trees 

You enjoyed taking care of all those fruits 

Watched you picking fruit; tasting, enjoying 

Even in hospital in your last few days... 

You can’t take the Blockie out of you my love...

After your brain aneurysm you were angry too

Said “What have I got to live for now?”

God, that was nearly 30 years ago...

You got used to not driving anymore 

With your tunnel vision too...

You still loved spending family time 

With your grandchildren, great grandchildren too

We’d visit as often as we could you know 

Kept in touch via telephone 

Even though you hated to talk on there I know...

Those last three months we spent; I vow 

Caught up with so much family history 

I watched you improve just enough 

To regain some mobility; some dignity...

We talked of so many wonderful times

Of your one true love; my darling mum

Of leaving family behind in Hungary 

Of travelling to these distant shores...

Your first job in a store; riding your bicycle 

To the Austrian border for your work

Boarding there in deepest winter time 

Your factory work; your precious family 

Ahh we talked of so many wonderful times 

Enjoying each other’s precious company...

You wanted to go; to leave this life behind 

You’d already decided how it should be 

Told the doctor; through my words 

You were ready; mum was waiting for you...

So my darling I had to let you go 

Though I really didn’t want to...

I knew it was what you wanted; needed

God bless you my precious darling dad

Couldn’t have asked for a better man 

To guide me through my life...

Rest In Peace; you are remembered 

Always in our hearts and minds... 

6th October 2020

The glorious gift

Found this glorious little gift 

Just outside my back door 

Wonder who was thinking 

That I needed a little more 

To you; it’s just a pine cone

But to me it’s a little score 

I love our local bird life 

Been chatting to them; for sure 

Telling them they’re gorgeous 

Welcoming me to these shores 

So...thank you to whoever left it 

Thanks for making my day 

By bringing a little sweetness

In COVID days we need it even more! 

20 October 2020

Tumbled down

Tumbled down among the splendour

Yep! That was me!

Twisted my ankle; grazed my knee

Right there amid the greenery

There’s the pattern of the gravel

Right there upon my 3/4 pants 

Fell forward onto my hands 

It only took a second...

One minute I was walking 

Enjoying the scenery... 

Bext second I was wondering 

What on earth had happened 

To me...ouch! A little blood 

A nice sprain; turning colourfully 

Into a big egg shaped bruise... 

But I’m okay! 

More embarrassed actually! 

Saturday 3rd October 2020

Lost in slumber

I know you’re probably still asleep 

Lost in slumber, dreaming dreams 

I’m awake across the oceans 

Thinking about you; in daydreams 

My hearts strongly: as does yours 

Wishing I was there with you 

Upon those foreign shores...

Ah the tyranny of distance

Ah the pain of empty arms 

Wishing you peace, happiness 

God keep you safe from harm...

2nd November 2020

The best 11 minutes

The best eleven minutes in a while 

Video chat with my daughter Vanessa

And all my gorgeous grandchildren 

Santiago, Zecarias, Evaleah, and Jamie

As they call my little angel Gabriel 

Saw their faces; heard their voices 

Got Besos from my little cutie 

He called me Nana...ah bliss 

Ah those precious moments 

Treasured in my heart...

5th November 2020

Feeling argumentative

Feeling argumentative 

Feeling hurt and grave 

I Said those words 

You saw them; I gave 

Vent to my fury 

Gave you a serve 

About time you heard

Those words; you deserve 

Can’t be taken back 

Can’t be wiped clean 

I know t was wrong

I was feeling mean

Had enough of being hurt, used 

Truly had enough 

Of being abused 

No longer will I cower 

No longer will I hold back

Allow those others to deceive 

Boy to man

It seems to me in talking intimately with males I know, there is never a point at which they feel they have become a man.

My point is that I think, at this time, we need to guide young men into manhood.

We are all so busy with our children that we don’t seem to realise their individual needs as far as maturity and beyond. 

We all make mistakes, throughout our lives, even to now, and what I am advocating is some structured rite of passage from boyhood to manhood. 

In ancient cultures, there were initiation ceremonies where they became men from a certain age. 

We need to bring back some of these traditions...

One foot in the grave

It’s sad to admit to failure when

It’s difficult to put the past to rest 

You cannot live their lives for them 

You simply have to let go; the test 

He lived; one foot already in the grave 

Determined to kill himself; hell-bent 

No; I am not being at all brave 

This life lesson is actually heaven sent 

He decided upon his own trajectory 

His was the determination into his descent

We watched; we waited; we debated 

He did as he pleased; wouldn’t listen 

Narcissistic attitude; selfish and rude 

Lost from the terrible start; his life glistened

Of tears and sadness; possible madness 

His brain struggled; constantly drug addled 

Yes; the last few years in shades of grey 

He had surely lost his way; no one could say 

But that he already had; one foot in the grave...

Protective mother quail

Down by the mighty Murray River
Between the river and the southern seas 
Mother quail was working; protecting 
Her precious little babies; from me
Though I am no threat to her 
Though I would love to be her friend 

She was protective of her babies 

Those bushes she hid behind; a godsend 

Saw a shiny black snake lurking 

Seeking something to devour 

I prayed mother quail would succeed 

Keep her babies safe for many a long hour 

Smile through the tears

Got to smile through the tears 
For you know, all through the years 
God is with us, to allay our fears 
He has saved us all...
By taking our sins to the cross
He has already suffered for our loss 

17 March 2015

Around the world in 99 days

I sent the parcel early 

Aiming for Christmas time 

Hoping and a praying 

It would certainly arrive (on time) 

Tracking said they’d got it

Then it said “no way!”

I guess they got that wrong 

What more can I say?

Couldn’t find the address 

Couldn’t deliver it they said 

So it was sent around the world 

What a blasted mess! 

It’s been to Chile my darlings 

It almost got to you... 

Then it went flying off to France 

To Italy too; given half a chance 

Finally, it landed in Japan; on the way 

Oh, that really made my day...

Well it got back this morning

Much battered; fragile to say the least 

So I repacked every Christmas present 

Added a few birthday gifts too

And now; guess what? 

I’m sending it all back to you!

God willing it will make it

God willing it will fly true 

All the way to Chile my darlings 

All the way to you! 

Tuesday 10th March 2020

Living through the maze of life

There is always a beginning 

There will always be an end 

But stumbling through the rest 

Is going to be the real test 

So many little byways 

So many twists and turns

Don’t forget those roundabouts 

Or those crazy swinging burns 

Our lives never follow straight lines 

They ever seem to bend...

As we go on living we discover 

To our life’s very end...

7th March 2020

Always long and winding

Always long and winding 

Always a blessing to arrive 

This long journey called life 

Through pain, suffering we strive...

4th March 2016

Happy 60th Ian McKinnon

I wrote this just a few short years ago...

Happy 60th birthday Ian McKinnon

The years have passed 

Like silent shadows 

Yet still, our eyes do shine 

Hands clasped in friendship

Yours and mine...

4th February 2013

4/2/1953 - 18/10/18

It’s a sad time at Christmas

It’s a sad time at Christmas 

When your darlings have gone 

New Year feels no better 

As you start the new year alone 

Though memories do linger 

There is no physical touch 

Yes; the pain remains inside you 

It does not ever go away 

Though it may ease a little; true 

You must face another day... 

New Year is a new beginning 

Come what may; seize the day! 

1st January 2020

In memory of Roza (Szekeres) Szabo

Three years ago today you went away 

Three years ago you had to leave us

Quietly you slipped away my love

I’d like to think; up to heaven up above 

In my memories, you are still here with me 

That is as it will ever be; you are a part of us

Though I miss you so; I know you had to go...

I asked the carnations to bloom for you 

Seeing they were ever your favourites 

It is wonderful to see; one listened to me 

There is one very pretty pink carnation 

There among the Stocks; you loved their scent 

They still bloom for you too; ah heaven sent!

Whenever I smell them; I think of you too

They cheer me up when I am feeling blue...

Missing you my darling mum

Rest In Peace 

28th December 2019 

Children are sensitive souls

He’s such a sensitive little soul

Knew I needed; him to hold 

Knew exactly what was needed 

Felt much better; succeeded 

In gaining some happiness 

Found some inner quietness...

He’s so much older than his years 

Could he sense my hidden tears? 

What was it he could hear, sense? 

Did he truly understand; so intense? 

So deep a cry from within my soul?

Something mysterious had him involved

Called me “Nana”; I said I wouldn’t mind

Thought that would be so very kind...

Ah yes it is true; as I’m telling you 

Animals and little children come through 

They understand; sense your feelings too

Stay close; give comfort; when its due...

26th December 2019

For Kaiden 

Nana’s Christmas tears

Her tears are overflowing 

From her heart do they spring 

As the Christmas season approaches 

And she misses everything...

Her dear little grandchildren 

So far away from home 

Be it a million miles away 

Or just up the dusty road... 

Her arms; achingly empty 

Though her heart is so very full 

Having so much love yet to give 

But today her eyes are almost full...

She misses their happy laughter 

Is missing so many milestones 

Their little arms around her neck 

Feeling this lack within her bones...

There is no festive celebration

Here within these quiet walls

For without their precious laughter 

Why bother to deck the halls...

Only memories do linger 

Of times of Christmas past 

Her thoughts again turn inward 

Tears, pricking her eyelids; flowing fast...

For Violeta Orlandini, Martha Wilson, grandma Roza Szekeres, grandma Margit Juliana Szabo, Lyn Scott, and many others...

25th December 2019

So this is Christmas

“So this is Christmas 

What have we done 

Another year over

A new one just begun”

So much pain and suffering 

As bushfires run amok

People struggling with illness 

Watching their ticking clocks 

Death and destruction 

Crime and disrespect 

Storms and catastrophes 

Everywhere you look 

Please take care to drive safely 

Don’t cause any more strife

There’s too much pain already 

Remember; we’re only given one life...

24th December 2019

Thank God for our Firies

Thank God for our Firies

They always do their best 

Battling scorching bushfires

Barely getting any rest...

Struggling through heat, smoke 

Desperate people have to flee

They face head-on; cannot choke 

Battle on; though they cannot see...

Thank God for our Firies 

They face those infernos 

Battling to save our homes; lands 

Into terrible danger they go...

Yes! Thank God for our Firies 

Bless the very effort they give 

Because of these brave heroes 

Others may continue to live...

21 December 2019

Tears on my pillow

Tears on my pillow 

Tears for you all

Yes, tears on my pillow 

Feeling them fall

Mother; father

Gone from me 

Missing you dearly 

Missing your company 

Grandchildren; so far away

Can’t even hug or kiss you

Arms empty; with this dismay 

Christmas is coming so soon

Tears on my pillow 

Emotional; that’s me 

Feeling these losses 

At this time of year... 

14th December 2019 

Loss by suicide

It’s not easy being the one 

Left behind by a loved one 

The guilt that follows you around

Takes years; to fight it down 

Anguish, pain, depression abound 

Seems like you’re ever losing ground 

It takes a long time to realise 

It wasn’t your fault all along...

23rd December 2019

Fresh wild rabbits

I’ve often seen this sign

“Fresh wild rabbits” 

Outside the butcher shop in Goolwa

My imagination goes running wild

A fresh, wild rabbit comes to mind 

Of a very different kind...

One with attitude 

One with fire and grit

One that is full of anger 

One that is full of spit...

Ah the grin upon my face 

As I wander through that shopping mall

Laughing out loud! 

18th October 2019

Loving little people by Vanessa

I love these little people so much it hurts. Don’t know how I ever lived without them. The best feeling in my world is squeezing them close and kissing their little cheeks and feeling them cuddle me back! The best sounds are their laughter and their adorable little voices and little noises they make. And the best sight to my eyes are their precious smiling faces! 

27th May 2014 

Beginnings and endings

Begun as a gift for my grandson 

His life just beginning to flower 

Too far away for it to be delivered 

I held it close to my heart; right here

With thoughts upon him, I realized 

In my arms, he will never be held 

Unless some miracle is to be seen 

So now for myself; it's been extended 

As I use its warmth; it is quite clear

Now; working upon this extension 

My mind has turned to my darling dad

Tomorrow will be the first anniversary 

Of his passing; ah God I miss him; my dear 

The centre for my precious darling Gabriel

The conclusion for my dearest dad...

I will feel the warmth of dads arms around me

As I cuddle my grandchildren here; within me

My heart will be enveloped in loving 

Kind thoughts in my soul for reunions

As I slumber right here in my bed...

5th October 2019 

My best friend

You’ve been my best friend

Since we were little girls 

You are my “sister” honey

I would have it no other way

I can’t recall exactly when we met

But I truly have no regrets 

Neither time nor distance 

Could ever change the way 

I feel about you...

I love you my precious sister

Wish you lived a little closer 

Though life’s been like a roller coaster

I have enjoyed this bumpy ride

Glad to have had you tag along 

and enjoyed having you by my side 

Happy 60th my darling sister Martha 

21st July 2019