NWG Inc Anthology 07
Two of our founding members are first up in our selection from NWG Inc print publications: Jacqui Douglas and Jim Spain.
FROM THE POET WITH PRIDE
Jacqui Douglas
My pupils are dilated
I'm poetically elated
Tears blur this poet's eyes
Life just can't get better
I've resolved to frame the letter
I've won the inaugural annual Doggerel Prize!
I like to shout it from the rooftops
In the local fish and fruit shops
Tell neighbours, relish their surprise
But I'm sharing this good news
With everyone of youse
Here's the winner of the First Annual Doggerel Prize
I love that sunburnt postman
I'm forever a loyal fan
He can't know what winning came to symbolise
So I'll do youse all a favour
Keep on putting pen to paper
And I'll win another Annual Doggerel Prize
Or perhaps there's a chance
For a mid-career advance
Here's another goal for me to set
How the arty literarti
Will be sure to party
When I'm voted the first Doggerel Laureate
Jacqui Douglas is a community graphic artist who writes prose, drama and poetry. She is a founding member of NEW Writers' Group Inc.
WANDERIN' BY THE CONDAMINE
Jim Spain
I'd stopped beside this river once famous in the haze
of far and distant memories of those ol' sheep shearin' days.
Its banks are sparsely wooded, there's little sign of green,
not the way it once was - when Willie saw this scene.
I was travell'n the Warrego from Chinchilla in the East,
headin' West for Roma before takin' on the beast
by drivin' North to Longreach then onto those far places
where isolation's endless, but many friendly faces
make you welcome by the fire and then set up a bed,
to ensure your comfort and on which to lay your head.
A bum break at Dogwood Crossing with time to look about
made me look upon me mudmap and then I gave a shout -
Hey! If I take the Leichhardt Highway, South from Murilla here
on the way to Goondiwindi, then the Condamine is near.
After crossing a concrete road bridge across that wide and deep expanse
I pulled into the right hand side without a second glance.
The excitement swiftly building while standing near that boat
which way back in those flood times kept many hopes afloat.
My second sight extended to a ripping, tearing flood
when many lives were lost then and legends writ. In blood.
I fancied hearing water in a place now near serene,
not a roar, but just a ripple was that which I did glean,
a short walk to the bank edge, then looking down and down
caused a smile to come upon me, washed away my furrowed frown.
There was water - yes clear water rippling softly over stones,
then an image of dear Willie and his Nancy touched my bones.
After all this time in drought. With weather much too fine,
there was water washing gently
'on the banks of the Condamine.'
Jim Spain loves travelling, finding inspiration along the road
for his verse. He is deeply passionate about Australia and all her idiosyncrasies and
frequently draws on this sentiment in his work. (Quote from Artfiles)
You can find Jim (aka "Rimeriter") on the web at: Jim's Jottings
NB Jim provided the photo for this poem.