Tantrum — a poem about realising that life is long
My mother said that seventy years
is plenty of years and after that
you’re a nuisance a mistake
you’re a burden to the state.
Podcasts
Fishing the grid
a small boat floating on a sea of memories words I readily use swim near the surface some words dwell in the darkest deeps every year more nouns and names but I will fight the good fight on the tip of my tongue buyer’s remorse I think slower I’m slowing her down I want to […]
Continue reading
The big family get-together
Aaaahhh, it’s Christmas and in New Zealand that means a summer holiday, time to relax, preferably by a beach or pool. For some the holiday involves a big family gathering. We are a huge family and we love our occasional maxi-reunions, but not at Christmas. Then we drift off in different directions for smaller gatherings, which are seldom fraught. […]
Continue reading
The blessings of a big sister
This week my dear big sister Jill turned 80, and this is the poem I wrote for her. Poem for my big sister Jill I wanted to give you a poem eighty years back when you were first-born and armies were rising and peace receding. You learned about consultation in the womb. I wanted to […]
Continue reading
Age is skin deep
Plants grow new leaves every spring but humans are stuck with the same old skin. It used to be thick, and now it’s thin. What scratched me? A blade of grass? Oh my, aren’t I just the sensitive one? Note to self: wear gloves. * Rachel McAlpine
Continue reading