On the first day, we met in the baggage hall of the regional airport
You’d flown in from your place, and me from mine. You arrived first.
I saw you across the carousel, bag in hand. I’d missed you so much
We embraced, careful not to show affection in strangers’ company
You were thirsty, we got orange juice, then we caught a green cab.
I stood upon the mountain and watched
the blessed twilight falling upon
those glistening fields of emerald green
A smooth, clear night approaches from
the inky east, the navy star sphere
and sets across those silent plains
And in the west the last of day-time
disappears ‘neath a distant range
a jagged tear of sunlight, above the land
The poem ‘To The Hills’ was written some years ago, after my Grandmother told us again about her experiences of the 1987 Edgcumbe Earthquake.
As a teacher, she responded to the violent shaking by calmly leading her class (along with her colleagues) in to the hills around the sleepy, sun drenched mill town of Kawearu. My Grandfather, the school Principal and St. John’s Ambulance organiser also went about selflessly looking after others before the needs of his own family.
The most striking and memorable thing for me about this, was the story of the family dog; who was left tethered to the base of a Silver Birch tree which grew (and still grows today) in the front yard of their home. She was such a loyal dog, and although I never knew her, or the setting; I can imagine how she fretted beneath that tree, worrying for her Mother and Father. The loyalty of animals in times of strife.
Although she survived for several more years, she was killed on the road outside that very home and my Grandmother lamented that she was the one who bore the task of picking her up and wrapping her for burial. Whenever we’ve passed that same tree, she recalls those two memories. This week again she mentioned the story and I’d fogotten that this poem was lying in a notebook somewhere.
Sentimental as it may be, I cannot help but think of that little dog and smile when I do.
I have written excessively since I first learned to transfer the words from my head, with pencil and paper.
My collection of short writings, started stories left by the wayside and off the cuff poetry and verse have for many years stayed out of the light. Somebody recently told me that I should share them, so for better or worse (quality or not) I have decided to do just that.
Along with working on various other artistic diversions; I have endeavoured to complete a novel project which has occupied my thoughts since the vivid dream which sparked it was dissipated by the waking hours.
It is my hope that this blog will be a positive outlet and a creative stimulation to bring my writings and musings out fom the darkness.
Fiat Lux!
LVX CREARE 