Oh, to drown in a sea of roses

December 10, 2022December 10, 2022 / kiangablog / 5 Comments

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

First month of winter

June 22, 2022 / kiangablog / 13 Comments

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.

Black & white & in-between

May 18, 2022 / kiangablog / 9 Comments

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.

Summer sizzle

January 21, 2022June 17, 2022 / kiangablog / 2 Comments

*Sun-dried hills signal hot summer days.*

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!".

The Decision

December 18, 2021December 20, 2021 / kiangablog / 4 Comments

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.