“Love grows where my Rosemary goes..”

May 31, 2026 by Frances Macaulay Forde

(This takes me right back!) Yes, I’m that old – Ha Ha!

Makes me happy hearing it again… enjoy!

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REPOST: Counting Sleep.

May 29, 2026 by Frances Macaulay Forde

‘Counting Sleep’

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Boffin’s Books Closing

May 15, 2026 by Frances Macaulay Forde

This poem was inspired by a visit to Boffin's Books in 2004.  
It won 3rd prize in the “Inner City Life” Literary Competition 2004.

The Boffin 

bookshops are like lovers  
they numb in black & white
then seduce you with colour 

titillate and tempt your soul
until you finally let go 
find the courage to close

the book ~ pages which leave 
you gasping ~ the breath of air 
on your face feels like a slap

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2004

Important Announcement: The Closure of Boffins Books

(Content copied from their website.)

After more than 37 years of trading Boffins Books will officially cease operations on 6 June 2026.

Since opening our doors in February 1989, Boffins has evolved from a niche technical bookshop on Hay Street to a premier destination for specialist, professional, and general interest titles. We take immense pride in having served as a “sanctuary” for bibliophiles and a partner to libraries, authors and festivals to celebrate and promote books.

The Decision to Close
The decision to close follows a period of unprecedented structural and economic shifts within the retail landscape:

Changing CBD Dynamics: The rise of flexible “work from home” (WFH) arrangements has fundamentally altered city foot traffic, while the growth of suburban “destination” hubs has redirected traditional CBD patronage.
Economic Pressures: Like many independent retailers recently, Boffins has faced a “double hit” of escalating operational costs—including rising energy, insurance, wages and freight costs—alongside a tightening of discretionary consumer spending driven by the cost-of-living crisis.

Our Legacy
We remain incredibly proud of our history—from our original motto, “facts at your fingertips,” to our recent years at 88 William Street. Our commitment to sourcing obscure technical manuals and supporting local Australian authors has always been at the heart of what we do. This success was only possible because of our knowledgeable staff and our loyal community of readers.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the wonderful publishers and suppliers who have supported us throughout the years; your partnership was essential in helping us curate such a unique range of titles.

Final Trading Period
We invite our long-standing customers and the Perth community to visit us during our final weeks of trade, to support us to clear our stock, and to say goodbye to the team.

Special Orders and Gift Vouchers
To ensure a smooth transition for our customers, please note the following:

Special Orders: For customers with paid Special Order deposits, our team is working closely with suppliers to endeavour to fill your orders before the closure. If an item cannot be fulfilled, we will advise you and your deposit will be refunded in full.
Boffins Gift Vouchers (Brown & Green): Vouchers issued from 1 May 2023 need to be presented for redemption on a purchase prior to our final trading day on 6 June 2026.
BookPeople Gift Cards (Blue): These cards remain valid for three years from the date of issue. They will be honoured at Boffins Books until our closure and will continue to be accepted at over 400 ABA participating bookshops Australia-wide. To find a participating store, please visit: Find a Bookshop.

We thank you for nearly four decades of support. It has been an honour to be your independent bookseller.

#BoffinsBooks #Bookshop #LoveReading #LoveBooks #IconicPlaces #PerthBookshop

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Mother’s Day 2026

May 10, 2026 by Frances Macaulay Forde

This photo with my darling mum and her favourite crocodile handbag, her business suit, hair just right, straight home from work… I still miss her every day but have so many special moments locked up tight in my heart. I’m so proud of Jessica McCallum and Sawanee McCallum for being the kindest – most wonderful mums they are and for giving me such beautiful grandchildren. I wish my mum could be here for their hugs. So, here’s to A Very Happy Mother’s Day to all you lovely mums out there!

#mothersday #loveyoumum

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Deaf

April 25, 2026 by Frances Macaulay Forde


ART: 3 Fairy Wrens 2021© Frances Macaulay Forde

This poem originally written to the art of Jessica McCallum for her JM Exhibition at His Majesty's Theatre, Perth, 2009. 

‘DEAF’ 

I see your mouth, your lips, 
your tongue moving, 
pointed in my direction, 
shaping words I cannot hear. 
I know you are expressing
love with your eyes and hands, 
signing our future, sealed 
and stamped in ruby red wax
– declared! I try to do the same 
but cannot recognise your words, 
only feelings. 

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2009

#poetry #deaf #feelings #canthear #struggle #words

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Stunning Freo artworks

April 22, 2026 by Frances Macaulay Forde

Great news: investment in The Piazza is showing a new face – stunning artistic talent and opportunities for more. Read all about it!

QUOKKA ART MURAL IN FREO PIAZZA

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The Constant Birth

April 21, 2026 by Frances Macaulay Forde


Another one from my 1968 notebook and one of my sketches done in 2021.

The Constant Birth

In times of toil and days like these
with summers sun and summers breeze
with clear blue skies and pale brown earth
my thoughts often wonder at the constant birth.

Of flowers and trees and the tiny babe
(all this happened in a wooded glade)
held peacefully in loving mothers arms
protecting and keeping it from all harm

fear not, young child on Mother’s knee
the hate and the wars you will not see
you’ll see life through a rosy glow
not knowing true fear until you grow

for when you become a woman or man 
and travel to a far distant land
to seek fame and fortune’s hand,,,
with adult eyes on foreign sands

in times of toil and days like these
with summers sun and summers breeze
with clear blue skies and pale brown earth
your thoughts will often wonder at the constant birth. 

Frances Macaulay Forde © 1968 

#Nature #poems #ConstantBirth #1968Notebook #owls #Fauna

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Computer Messenger

April 16, 2026 by Frances Macaulay Forde

When my returned-love found my name on the net after so long, the computer was both my friend and my enemy, forming a safe barrier to hide behind until I found the courage to step into love again.

Computer Messenger…

Banter that backfired because
literal interpretations got lost
in considered connotations,
(re-read a thousand times)
of what went way-back-when…

Juxtaposition of judgements.
Hastily harnessed how-comes?
Stopping me still, seriously!
Making me question us both.
My passionate banshee tears

initiated by tactile responses
to words type-tapped carefully.
Sometimes in casual jest 
to test my reactions?
Is it natural to anticipate

disaster - dismissal and defend?
Not normally for me – I search
for more of your positive essence,
confirmation of my impressions.
I want you – all of you – now! 

Every nuance of normality
shared secretly, sensually…
But other stuff too – thoughts,
reasons, why you do what you do…
I can’t ‘see’ the whole of you

touch your skin - breath you in.
Sense your hands on my breasts
holding me, stroking me softly.
I want – I need – I crave to.

Insecurity inserts itself
firmly forcing doubt-feelings
to well and grow without witness,
until you answer; you calm; you claim,

cover my heart and soul with caring.
Linger in my love, lay there 
until we’re both sweetly exhausted
by this power, this perpetual passion

1st published in ‘Hidden Capacity ~ A Poet’s Journey’, Ireland, 2003

#poetry #1stPublication #HiddenCapacity #APoetsJourney #Romance #Rediscovery #rekindled #LoveReturns

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The Return of Rainbows

April 16, 2026 by Frances Macaulay Forde

*Artwork: Acrylic on wood, 2003 © Frances Macaulay Forde*

Looking back through my poetry written in 2000:  'The Return of Rainbows’ was conceived at University as a mature-age student bloodied by life’s battles and as always, finding succor in words.  My seemingly audacious presence provided lots of  fodder to explore the constant challenges and effects of that experience on my life.

The Return of Rainbows

Driving down Alexander,
(early morning rush hour)
lecture on documentary film.
Eager for knowledge, I noted
low, broad bands of colour
spanning the sky above Uni.
Ignoring the grey clouds,
I welcomed the return
of rainbows to my life.

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2000

#University  #Poetry  #Returning  #Rainbows  #Life  #Experiences  #MatureAgeStudent  #student