It was the year 1958. I’d just finished my army reserve training, and tanned and fit was being returned by the government to civilian life. No more route marches in the middle of the night, no more sleeping exhausted out in the rain, no more doing twenty circuits of the parade ground on the run because some vindictive Sergeant Major had a bender from a … Continue reading Monika
Down by the brook where the wild rushes grow Making their nests in the rush growth there, Away from the stream where the swift waters flow Migrating ducks safe their fledglings bear. Singing their songs in joyous praise, Seeking their food in the mud banks near, To hastily return when alarm calls raise Sheltering their fluffy brood from man with fear. Men on the bank … Continue reading Most Dangerous Predator
On January 4, 1956 I was conscripted by Australian Defense for what was then called national service obligations. I was just over 18 years of age and a candidate for enlightenment. This experience fulfilled that purpose. I can still remember my Mother standing at the front door wringing her hands as Dad drove me down to the local assembly point. The cold war was just … Continue reading Army Daze
Now my Father was a man who liked to think outside the box He expected us to learn to do the same, “Think big” he’d say, for knowledge is the key when kismet knocks And kismet is the one to start the game. One day I got to thinking as I played beneath the house And kismet came to visit as I thought, The impression … Continue reading Kismet
Shakuntla stumbles down the rocky road On weary feet beneath a blazing sun And on her head she bears a heavy load Her daily toil has only just begun Construction gang for her the only choice No education did Shakuntla get For women in this village have no voice She works to keep her family out of debt The labor pains intensifying now She throws … Continue reading Roadside Birth
“Mom, Rex has asked me to go with him this weekend. He wants to visit with our friends in Bundaberg.” Claire looked at her eldest son Paul in surprise. It was the mid 50’s and she struggled with normal protective instincts and the desire to recognize her teenage son’s right to make his own decisions. It was the age old conflict Mothers have to face … Continue reading The Great Escape
One of the joys of raising children is to have a reason for doing things you once found enjoyable in childhood. Some activities could be considered progressively un-cool as children move into adolescence and certainly taboo as they get into the serious pursuit of a spouse later on. If you were to see a young adult sitting by themselves on a beach with a little … Continue reading Becoming Of Age
The above image is copyright to 6cbatnist.wordpress.com I woke up in the morning To the sound of falling rain And in this early dawning It was time to rise again The wind was urgent calling Massaging bending tree While sparrows rising falling Flew confident and free The boiling clouds stood frowning While lightning kissed the ground And garden plots were drowning As frog choirs raised … Continue reading The Butterfly
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