Monthly Archives: Aug 2022

poetry, writing

At ease together

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My wife pointed out that all the lovely compliments in the visitors’ book at Nelson were in the same handwriting. The cabin, its fittings, utensils and furniture were all pretty shabby. We relaxed into it, but I brought this Senryū home with me.

the cabin feels tired
and perhaps that's why you sleep
at ease together
The view from the verandah of the cabin is superb.
But if there had been a piano inside, it would have been drinking.
poetry, writing

The poet’s reception

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a look of stark fear…
a form of japanese poetry?
I’m not bombing Darwin!

Please also refer to notes below

Culture-cliff note: the Japanese air attack on Darwin (i.e. in Australia, not on Charles) of 19th February 1942 was devastating and it revealed the appalling weakness of Australia’s border and inland protection to the government, who hid this from the public at the time. Elsewhere the treatment of prisoners of war by Japanese invading forces in WWll was utterly appalling.

Personal sidebar:
One of my neighbours in the Seventies had been a Japanese prisoner of war and I still admire the strength of his moral character to have joined the Victorian Japan Friendship Society when it formed. You remain an inspiration, George.

poetry, writing

My Avatar, with explanatory Senryū

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look in the branches
a laughing kookaburra sits
not a lonesome pine

Culture note (for non-aussies)

The kookaburra symbolises joy, humour, optimism, family and community spirit, whilst the lone pine (not the species depicted) signifies hope, pride, endurance and strength, especially from sticking together. It is a secular yet, some would argue, holy reminder of the WWI battles at Gallipoli and the subsequent importance of the ANZAC spirit and ‘mateship’ in particular to national identity.
Ref:
https://wbgardens.com.au/the-gardens/story-of-the-lone-pine