By fionageorge
I realised, some years ago, that the adage of 'with age comes wisdom' is true.
This wisdom comes from living, from listening, from observing, and from respecting the opinions of others. However, I also realised that the longer we live, the more we realise how much we don't know or understand.
This book of poems will at times be my observations and opinions as well as reflect the views from the perspective of others. Perspectives of people who may be considered 'different' -- whatever that means.
I have found society is quick to judge those who are different. I have learned that there is always a story behind each person. Whether the differences are due to a result of birth, genes or learned behaviours, or whether they are due to experiences lived, good or bad.
I plan to reflect on society as a whole, as well as areas of society which have made me stop and think. I hope to focus on situations which seem unfair and unpalatable as well as those which show kindness and goodness.
It is important to me to always try to see another's point of view. We don't have to agree, but we can respect, and I hope my poems will reflect this.
I look forward to see where my poems will lead me and hope you will enjoy this journey with me.
| Author Notes |
Australian English
Thank you shiloh106 from for the use of your photo entitled 'Stones of Wisdom' |
By fionageorge
Throughout my life I've stroked many a cat
Some were skinny some were fat
Be a cat black white orange or grey
No matter its colour no matter its size
A cat is always a cat
Throughout my life I've loved many a dog
Some were fluffy some were not
Be a dog black white brown or a mix
No matter its colour no matter its size
A dog is always a dog
Throughout my life I've seen many a horse
Some with smooth coats some with coarse
Be a horse ebony black brown or grey
No matter its colour no matter its size
A horse is a horse... of course
Now call me silly, but I am confused
About who or what I may be
I've met many men, women and kids
No matter their colour no matter their size
They all look like people to me
How is it that humans are meant to be
The most intelligent creatures on earth
Yet we talk about races within our own race
Different because of our colour and birth
Let's stop the fighting and let's call a truce
Though we have different skin
We all belong to the one human race
We're all the same within
| Author Notes |
My prompt was watching a documentary about racist profiling. I just don't get the idea that somehow we are not one 'human race',
Australian English A mix of free verse and limited rhyme, no particular meter Thank you Angelheart for the use of your stunning artwork entitled "Brave New World". |
By fionageorge
I stepped on the train with no time to spare
Its door closed right behind
I tried to find an empty seat
But there were none to find
Some passenger laughed others turned their heads
Yet others stared into space
Teenagers texted on their phones
No expressions on their face
I thought no-one had noticed me
I felt exhausted and needed a seat
I struggled not to fall over as
I balanced on my poor aching feet
A teenager who I thought asleep
Opened his eyes and noted my plight
He stood up and offered me his seat
His appearance was quite a sight
Long matted dreadlocks tied back in a bun
Arms and neck covered in tattoos
Jeans which had seen better days
And brown muddy worn-out shoes
He reached across and helped me down
I thanked him, he nodded and smiled
His face lit up, he had warm grey eyes
They reminded me of a small child
When I got home and settled down
With a nice hot cup of tea
I thought about that nice young man
And the way he'd been kind to me
Don't judge a book by its cover
My mother told me when I was a child
Today I learned what this meant
I sat back, sipped my tea and I smiled
| Author Notes |
This poem was prompted by a recent journey on a train, where the only person who offered an elderly woman a seat was the one I least expected to do so. I wrote this poem from the perspective of the elderly woman. (PS - I also had no seat... and no-one offered! )
Australian English Limited punctuation abcb rhyme I found this image on the internet on a website for 'dreadlocks'. Closest I could get to the young man's kind face. |
By fionageorge
It's healthy to be cynical
To question what you hear or read
What at first could be seen to be the truth
May be based on gossip rather than facts
Some magazines and newspapers
Run stories they purport are true
They denigrate or scandalise
To sell more magazines their aim
Some current affair shows on TV
Show stories with one point of view
They use promos to sensationalise
Don't let a story get tainted by truth
It's healthy to be cynical
To question what you hear or read
You may find when you see the truth
It's not what you first thought it was
| Author Notes |
My inspiration for this poem relates to a family member believing everything they read in trashy magazines, or what they see on TV. When she stated that 'everyone knows that', I questioned, who is everyone. 'Well, it was on TV'! Upon investigation, it conceded that there was only a half truth, and certainly not 'everyone' knew that.
Australian English Free verse poem Limited punctuation Thank you once again, Angelheart, for the use of your stunning artwork entitled 'A New Perspective'. |
By fionageorge
| Author Note: | To all those whose world has been torn apart |
| Author Notes |
My inspiration for this poem came from the constant news broadcasts, and the desperate looks on the faces of the refugees.
What a sad plight so many refugees are in. So many... how many countries can cope with the influx? But we can't do nothing... so much suffering... we must do something... What can we do? What is the answer? My heart breaks for all these refugees. PIcture found on internet Read contest rules for clarification Australian English |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
My inspiration is having seen a couple of elderly people loose their wills to live once their long-term partner has passed. So sad to see them so depressed and lonely. Both men and women, 'She' represents them all. Some have outlived their siblings and their children... to them there is no reason to remain. It is from the perspective of a lonely person, who feels no-one sees them or needs them.
I have said to my husband that it would be great if we could go together... but that is not our decision. |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
Got together with a friend, and she said she was going to start doing some things for herself. Her family were grown, but still always expected her to be there, for loans, babysitting and whatever else. I know she probably won't change, but she was letting her imagination run riot... so I got in on the mood, and hence this poem. Don't we all want to break out sometime?
Australian English abcb rhyme scheme Thank you MKFlood for the use of your artwork 'Out Steppin (revised)' on FanArtReview.com |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
Watching the Australian Olympic Swimming trials, we see so many enter, yet so few can go. This prompted me to write this poem. So much hard work and dedication, so often in vain. It is difficult to get to the very top... we have a couple of grandkids, very talented, but at 16 and 17, they had to give up. It was all too much pressure.
Australian English Photo is of my grand-daughter before at last year's Australian National Swimming Championships, with former Olympic Bronze medalist, Geoff Huegill. She has since given up competitive swimming (but is now teaching swimming) to concentrate on her studies. She wants to study medicine, and is in her last year at College before going on to University. It is a hard life for all athletes who are still at school/college etc. I salute them all! |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes | Some of life's pleasures... especially enjoyed with friends and loved ones. |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
My prompt are my adorable grand-children.
Australian English |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
This poem was inspired by a show on TV where lifers were interviewed. I tried to imagine what it would be like to be locked away for life...
Australian English No particular meter Thank you Dick Lee Shia for the use of your stunning artwork 'Shattered Dreams' on FanArtReview.com |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
This poem's inspiration came as I dusted the above photo of my Mama, which was the last photo taken before she passed aged 37. The inner turmoil I felt when she received her last rites was intense - I was 10. I couldn't understand why 'God needed an angel' as the nuns told me. God had many angels, we (there were 9 children under 14) needed our Mama.
Australian English |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
Australian English
Poem inspired by this stunning artwork by Angelheart entitled 'Reflective Beauty' |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
This poem was prompted by discussions with some friends over coffee about the fear of dying. I have found that as people near death, they come to accept. They want their loved ones to accept their passing. Various opinions were voiced about Euthanasia... very interesting discussions.
Australian English Limited punctuation Thank you once again, Angelheart, for the use of your stunning artwork entitled 'Reflection of a Moonflower' I felt this reflected the peace and mood of my poem perfectly. |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
This poem was prompted by friends who met at kindergarten and have been together a long time. This is written from the female's perspective
Australian English Limited punctuation Thank you once again, Angelheart, for the use of your stunning art entitled 'Celebration of Love', which is so appropriate for this poem. |
By fionageorge
| Author Note: | Dedicated to all those people who become full time carers, giving up their own lives to care for another. |
| Author Notes |
This poem was inspired by a story in the local newspaper. One split second, one bad choice... a life wasted and a lifetime of suffering for family.
Australian English abcb rhyme Picture found on allfreedownload.com |
By fionageorge
It's been fifty years
Since we first said 'I love you'
Today we still do
| Author Notes | This was inspired by my husband saying he still loves me... after all these years. I have a good memory for dates... and this was exactly 50 years after the first time he told me he loved me. |
By fionageorge
Trump by name
Rude by nature
Uncouth by choice
Master discriminator
Presidential material - really?
Do not build walls
Only build bridges
No divisions
Are beneficial
Love your neighbours
Don't alienate
This man cannot possibly
Represent your great nation
USA please vote with peace in mind
Make the world breathe easier
Please - Trump Donald Trump
| Author Notes |
I am not usually into writing political anythings... but as an outsider looking in, I am fearful - for the USA and the rest of the world. I hope common sense prevails, and that this man does not become your next President.
Australian English Picture found on internet, I added the red |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
My inspiration is the report of another victim, another young woman killed by a partner.
In Australia 1 woman dies each week from domestic abuse. And children are often victims too. Also, some men are abused by women. A sad epidemic. Picture obtained from 'Domestic Violence' website. |
By fionageorge
White shores are calling me, calling me back
Back to the memories we made
Back to the place where we first fell in love
Where to our own rhythm we swayed
White shores are calling me, calling me back
Back to its soft silken sand
Where barefoot we kicked some shells with our toes
And walked by the sea hand in hand
White shores are calling me, calling me back
Where first you made love to me
Under the light of the shimmering moon
On a blanket so tenderly
White shores are calling me, calling me back
To this our own special place
I'll scatter your ashes just as you wished
As my life without you I face
White shores are calling me, calling me back
Back to our spot by the sea
I sense your presence with each step I take
Forever you'll be here with me
| Author Notes |
This poem was inspired by a line in a song I heard on the radio when driving in our car this morning. I don't know the song, I just remember the words 'White Shores are Calling'. From those words came this poem, as the words reminded me of one of my favourite places on earth - Peron Dunes.
Photo taken by me at Peron Dunes a couple of years ago. |
By fionageorge
| Author Note: | See your loved ones while you can... they are gone a long time once they've passed |
Do not shed one single tear
When you lay me down to rest
You didn't visit me all year
Do not shed one single tear
You had no time when I was here
Now I have one last request
Do not shed one single tear
When you lay me down to rest
| Author Notes |
Australian English
See triolet contest rules This poem came to mind when I went to a funeral, and I saw some family members of the deceased sob, when they hadn't bothered to visit her, or even telephone her for years. So sad... Thanks to GaliaG on FanArtReview.com for the use of this stunning artwork entitled 'A tear. |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
My sister-in-law's brother passed away last night. She asked me to write a short poem to put in a card, which she wants to put in his coffin. This is it, from her perspective... I didn't make this flowery or too wordy. They came from a country family, in the bush, and as a family, spoke directly and when needed. No real affection shown, but they were close.
Australian English Thank you once again, Angelheart, for the use of your stunning artwork entitled 'Paper Flower'. |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
Australian English
Limited puntuation My inspiration came from talking with a friend who is going through a tough time right now. But... for 20 years now, our friendship has weathered many a storm... through thick and thin... There is nothing like the warmth and love of a dear friend. |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
Australian English
Triolet After posting a Triolet a couple of days ago in the Triolet contest, I received some interesting responses, especially one which indicated sometimes there is good reason people don't visit a parent... This Triolet - along the same line as the previous one, looks at the POV from a person who will not shed any tears. |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
Australian English
Received this photo (along with some others) by email from a friend. Don't know its origins. |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
Australian English
Limited punctuation No particular rhythm abcb rhyme scheme Picture from collection of funny pictures sent by a dear friend in one of those emails that do the rounds... |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
Anzac Day falls on the 25th of April each year. The 25th of April was officially named Anzac Day in 1916.
What does 'ANZAC' stand for? 'ANZAC' stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as Anzacs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day. Why is this day special to Australians and New Zealanders? On the morning of 25 April 1915, the Anzacs set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The objective w - as to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and an ally of Germany. The Anzacs (all volunteers - mostly teenagers) landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian and 3000 New Zealand soldiers were killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli and the events that followed had a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home. The 25th of April soon became the day on which Australians and New Zealanders remember the sacrifice of those who had died in the war. Anzac Day now recognises and remembers all those who have served in conflicts and sacrifices since that first involvement by Australia and New Zealand at Gallipoli. It is our official Day of Remembrance. This year, Vietnam veterans are leading the marches in each city in Australia, to recognise the extreme hardships they suffered, and the way they were treated on their return to Australia. Most of these young men were conscripted into the army in the late 1960's and early 1970's. They are now recognised for what they did. Many objected the Vietman war, these soldiers did not have a choice... they were forced to go. Lest we forget. |
By fionageorge
| Author Note: | To all the grandparents in the world |
| Author Notes |
Australian English
Another poem inspired by another funny photo from a friend (she is such a bad influence!). Photo source - unknown |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
Inspired by someone throwing a temper tantrum over nothing. Everything becomes a drama. I try to avoid people like this... don't need drama at this stage in life, especially when it is something minor. They don't seem to have a balance between self interest and reality.
5-7-5 Australian English Picture found on PintInterest |
By fionageorge
| Author Notes |
I was inspired to write this after visiting a friend with terminal cancer. She said she can no longer take the pain. She just wants to 'go to sleep,' she said, 'and have peace and no more pain'.
A Villanelle is a nineteen-line poem consisting of a very specific rhyming scheme: aba aba aba aba aba abaa. The first and the third lines in the first stanza are repeated in alternating order throughout the poem and appear together in the last couplet (last two lines). Limited punctuation intentional. 'I can't take this pain no more' is a double negative. However, this is how my friend speaks. |
By fionageorge
| Author Note: | To George... love you! |
| Author Notes |
This poem was inspired by my husband. who despite being a quiet, non-romantic person, gives me his support through good times and tough. In my darkest moments, he is always there. Solid as a rock. I have total faith and trust in him and our relationship.
Faith can take many forms... this poem relates to the reliance and confidence in a relationship. Thesaurus - faith: confidence trust reliance conviction belief assurance Australian English abcb rhyme |
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