If one rose can bring so much pleasure How much more joy can a bunch bring Or even a basket full. A blooming bush bursting with buds is a delight, As is a huge climbing rose full of heavenly scent. Make a garden bed full of roses to enjoy, Or a whole garden dedicated to the rose and stroll about at leisure. By Lynn Elder
By Lynn Elder
Oh, what personality does spring display When it thinks it is time to play. Spring can be so fickle, Also, so changeable. Spring can be a myriad of colours As bursting buds bring forth the flowers, Then disappear in a breeze, With the sudden arrival of a wintry freeze. There is a promise of radiant sunshine, For which we did all through winter pine, For a return of some warmth to bask in, And feel the sensation on our skin. Spring does have a gentle side to its personality, Amidst all the activity and vitality. Blossom petals fall softly like light bird feathers, And newborn lambs and calves snuggle against mothers, To herald in the hope and joy of spring.
It was such joy to be part of this fun project with so many talented bloggers sharing their creative gifts. Andrea’s illustrations were the starting point for the children’s poems and short stories that were contributed. I came up with a story about cats shopping on-line would you believe! Her blog post below will steer you in the direction of how to obtain your own copy. Happy reading!
About 4 months ago, I posted a silly idea of making a book together.
I asked people to write a short story or poem based on any of the drawings on my website.
It quickly became clear that more than just a few were interested.
More than 20 authors have submitted their story and I am so happy to announce that from today on, the collection is stories accompanied with colorful drawings are available on Amazon either as ebook, paperback or hardcover!
It look amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough for sharing their talent and support with me!
If you would like a copy, check on of the links below!
P.s. I have been asked to do a 2nd book like this and I am more than happy to! 😄 I will keep you guys updated…
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By Lynn Elder
The icy embrace of snowy climes soon brings autumn to its knees. No good praying for it not to be when winter arrives on time. Artic blasts keep temperatures in check while us mere mortals shiver, And slosh about in rubber boots to keep the water out.
By Lynn Elder Grey clouds form a leaden sky Above the black cattle grazing below. Tree trunks are blackened By the dampness they absorb From heavy downpours Released from above. Dimming daylight alternates Between the various shades Of white, grey and black. Birds and pets alike match The colour scheme of the day.
By Lynn Elder
Listen to the crashing waves, Hear the cry of a lonely gull, Feel the sting of the salty sea. Hear the screams of a girl, Young and frail, As the giant waves, Wash her away. The waves whip the body away, Far away from the sandy shore. To the sea it doesn't matter, Who dies in its icy depths. When the sea is still, And the flock of gulls, Fly overhead, None could believe, That the sea could take a life.
What is love? Some say it is an itchy feeling around the heart. Is it endless declarations of undying love of Shakespearean proportions? Maybe it is the act of loving someone or something more than yourself? But don’t forget you need to love yourself before you can truly love others! Love is many things to many people, True love may be hard to find or follows a rocky path. But love is never controlling or boastful. It is not spiteful or hateful. As they say love makes the world go ‘round, And as my granny says “love is blind” but neighbours ain’t! If St Valentine’s Day is a load of sentimental trash for some And an economic boon for others, Fear not because the love you receive and give, Is of no less value on any other day!
My poetic take on St Valentine’s Day. My husband booked dinner out for the two of us last year but on the day, the state of Victoria was plunged into another lockdown! I saw in my social media memories today that I cooked a roast lamb dinner and apple crumble for desert last year so I must have still showed my love. But my darling husband has booked a table for dinner tonight which is very sweet. No lockdowns likely this year!
I have always loved the poetic works of Scottish poet Robert Burns since I was a little girl with romantic thoughts and maybe because of my Scottish ancestry. I have just discovered that the poem “My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose” has been recorded as a song by various artists including one of my favourite singers Eva Cassidy and a new one for me being Karen Matheson who does the most stunning lilting Celtic version. Decide for yourselves which one you like best. Happy St Valentine’s Day to all us romantics!
By Lynn Elder
The change of seasons comes in a rush Of hot air and wilted grasses in the bush. No need to clear out the ash and stoke the fire As ceiling fans whir above, and with a beer In hand the farmer wipes the free-flowing sweat From his sun-beaten face, and without a beat Flicks off the pesky blowflies settled on his work shirt. His wife tucks her tea towel in the band of her skirt, Then says as she leans wearily against the kitchen wall. "It's too bloody hot to eat anything at all!".
By Lynn Elder
To stay or leave? I am torn. My heart and mind are at odds. What is the chance one whispers, of fire reaching us here. The radio crackles. Emergency announcement. "If you have not already left, it is now too late to leave." Decision made.
This poem was included in a collection of poems published in 2021 as High Country Poets highlighting the works of local poets from Mansfield in North East Victoria, Australia. Proceeds from sales of the book go to the Mansfield Secondary College Welfare Fund.
Winter By Lynn Elder
Winter steals our blue skies
and replaces them with yearnings for wood fires.
When rain-drenched clouds
above the paddocks crowd
a sense of gloominess descends,
bringing a desire to seek out friends
to indulge in wine and song,
while the season of winter stays too long.
In my home amongst the gumtrees in Victoria’s High Country
The Kookaburras laugh from their lofty perches
At the sight of masked humans going about their business.
The state government has mandated face coverings for public forays.
I can make it to the farm gate without covering up my face
But as soon as I cross the cattle grid out comes my mask;
My defence against a world that is playing host to a virus
That has us locked down in a fight against an enemy that doesn’t bear arms.
In a small town where we are use to greeting one another as old friends;
We hog supermarket aisles; as we compare the price of sheep and cattle;
If we are fortunate we can also boast our latest rainfall readings;
Battered hats and well-worn boots can separate the townies from the farming folk;
But a second look is needed as we try to recognise each other wearing such strange attire.
Face coverings come in all shapes and sizes, some in colours and designs;
In a display of the wearer’s fashion sense and personality.
Forced to adopt this strange new ritual we hope to flatten that damn curve.
#
Another Aussie take on this COVID thing is a ballad by comedian Sammy J. Apologies to “Banjo” Paterson who penned the “Man from Snowy River”, a poem that inspired the movie made in the High Country where I live. The Bunnings reference is to a rather large chain of hardware stores popular with do DIY types and tradies. Also apologies to anyone called Karen who may be offended.
Escape to the High Country... 