Archive for the ‘Love’ Category

Miss you, Mum

Posted in Love, Poetry, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, Mother's Day, Mum, poems, poetry, writing on May 10, 2014| 7 Comments »

I wish you could meet…

Pick flowers…

Knit them toys and jumpers…

Make cupcakes…

Have special conversations…

I try to be you, Mum – every day, for them.

To all the mums out there, have a really wonderful Mother’s Day.

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Grand-ies…

Posted in Children's stories, Love, Poetry, tagged Birth, Frances Macaulay Forde, grand kids, granddaughter, poetry, Western Australia on April 10, 2014| 3 Comments »

Sonja’s artwork. (4 1/2 years old)

My brother is meeting his 1st grandchild in Sydney today, but isn’t allowed to go too close because he sneezed before getting on the flight!

Birth

I held you to my

breast – now calm

and gently, with my

forefinger, caress

-ed your tiny arm.

And today, I got a call from my son to say that his littlest is in the Children’s Hospital with a lung infection! I wanted so much to go straight to her bedside and give lots of cuddles, to make sure she gets better. But that’s my son and her mum’s job – not mine!

Sometimes it’s really hard to stand back. They are wonderfully capable, hands-on parents to their two beautiful little girls, so as requested I will go and spend tomorrow with my older granddaughter until they come home. After Sonja’s Swimming Lesson, we’ll do some painting – always the first question after “Hello, Nanna!”

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New moon… New Month.

Posted in Animals, Love, nature, Romance, WA Writers, Writing, tagged Australian birds, Carnaby's Black Cockatoos, Fauna, Frances Macaulay Forde, nature, new month, new moon, Perth Daily Photo, Poem, poetry in Western Australia, Western Australia, wishing, words, writer, writing on April 2, 2014| 2 Comments »

New Moon

Last night, a sliver of silver low on the horizon, above the sea;

The moon visible through the clear sliding door of my patio

but couldn’t wish on it, not through glass – bad luck!

So eyes-down I opened the door, stepped out bare-feet on concrete

past the patio setting, minding the balls Sonja has strewn

and stood, out in the cool (now Autumn) air and wished.

Can’t tell you what I wished for or it won’t come true – it’s not for me.

I am lucky in love. My family are healthy and happy, I have you.

All that I need. So how could I possibly ask for more, for me?

If you’ve got time, read more about these magnificent Carnaby’s but also, have a look at the best photos I’ve ever seen of them, up close, taken by Grace and posted on Perth Daily Photo today.

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Diary entry ~ April 2002.

Posted in Animals, Love, nature, Other blogs, Poetry, Romance, WA Writers, tagged coots, ECU Joondalup Campus, Fauna, Frances Macaulay Forde, kanagaroos, Love, Peter Cowan Writer's Centre, poems, poetry in Western Australia, Returned Love, romance, writing on April 1, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Passport Photo: 15 years old

1990 Bali Holiday – an amazing surprise 40th birthday gift from my Brother Paddy and sister in law, Grace.

I’m sitting here next to the lake listening to the Magpie’s talk, the Wood Ducks peep, the fountains filter their water. This is the first entry into my new notebook the red (for passion) one with a teddy bear (you, of course) playing guitar on the front! I’ve also got my two passports with me and I thought I’d scan the pictures for you just for a laugh. One was taken before you, when I was 15 (British passport) and the other way after, when I was 40 for the Bali trip.

Three tourists walked by obviously looking for something. So I said, ‘The kangaroos are over there’ (pointing) behind Cowan House, ‘lying around in the shade.’ Well, this lovely lady replied, ‘Oh thEnk you!’ in a broad South African accent. Small world hey? She and her husband Gordon have ‘…jEst arrIIEEyeved thus morning at 5am from Jo’burg for 5 dayZZ. He and Pete ‘aff bin frEEnds since grade 5. We’re goin’ out to dEEnar tonight.’ She can’t believe how clean it all is… Anyway, they’re having a good look at our lawn mowers, who aren’t actually doing much. Just lying back, torsos-twisted, scratching their bellies. Totally unconcerned wild, Grey Kangaroos – and these tourists, just a couple of yards from them.

I’m obviously early for the poetry workshop. My watch has stopped again – it needs a service (another thing on my long list!). Wonder what we’ll tackle this afternoon. I have no idea of today’s subject – haven’t been for while, far too distracted by you! Hope you’re having a lovely day. I’m being good and giving you ‘space’ (in the nicest possible way). I hope it’s helping with the study. Hmmmmm – poetry – erotic poetry for you. I wonder if I can do it? First drafts only My Love:

1. Coots

Lakeside, I watch

the Coots bouncing

on top of the water.

They throw their heads

with intention and abandon.

Plunging – immersing themselves.

I want to bounce,

immerse myself.

Plunge into you…

2. Soixante-Neuf

Normally,

I wouldn’t want you

to look at my bum

at that angle…

But then,

you’re not doing

much looking,

N’est pa?

3. Your reward…

… is access.

Complete access.

Although the years

have worn – you can see!

I will allow you ~

only you, this viewing,

this exposure

to my most secret self.

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“As Autumn Leaves”

Posted in Love, nature, Other blogs, Poetry, WA Writers, Writing, tagged ABC Tales, Frances Macaulay Forde, Love, other writers, Perth, Poem, poems, poetry, poetry in Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 25, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Hyde Park in February… too hot to be out of the shade.

I’ve just found this beautiful poem on ABC Tales , so when you have a moment indulge yourself.

As a fan of the site for many years, I’ve benefited greatly from comments, encouragement and the sheer joy of reading wonderful words from writers I wouldn’t have read otherwise.

The very first item I posted was on the 15th March 2006 was a short story ‘Write to Romance’. (I’ve posted loads of poems and stories on ABC Tales since.)

That story has since been read by 874 people (blows my mind!) and earned a ‘Cherry’ from the editors – such a huge boost in confidence.

So I recommend, anyone with stories or poems to share, join this fabulous FREE site and see what others think of your words but importantly, receive some very constructive feedback from talented and experienced others.

Such a safe and nurturing environment is rare on the net. I’m often inspired by what I read on there so I’m about to post this poem posted on here in February, in response to ‘Bee’ and her poem ‘As Autumn Leaves’.

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Lesson No 65

Posted in Love, Poetry, Romance, WA Writers, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, Love, Poem, poems, Professor Glen Phillips, Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 21, 2014| 3 Comments »

Today, Friday, 21st March 2014 has officially been declared ‘World Poetry Day’.

So where does poetry ‘sit’ in your life and what is your idea of poetry?

Poetry is my way of ordering an idea or response, by moving it out of my head in as few words as possible, to clarify ~ writing the spine of what comes next.

It may stay as a poem, or become a short story, a script for a play or the screen or novel, perhaps even spawn more poems… but poetry is always the key.

Poetry is communicating clearly a strong emotion within me, which combined with the use of metaphor, I hope will find an echo when others read my efforts.

So I thought I’d share my reply to a fun poem Professor Glen Phillips sent and my responding poem (with permission, of course):

Glen Phillips reading a poem at Poets Corner, Perth Cultural Centre, 2005.

BUT BLONDES PREFER DIAMONDS

(or, Lesson No. 64)

If you think ‘a diamond is forever’,

as advertisements used to say,

(and you’re beautiful) grab whatever

lovely hot rocks come your way!

And why not? Centuries of avid men

seeking to turn the head of a cooling lover

resort to this old stratagem well-proven—

how to raise the stakes, get back in clover.

So down to the hockshop, make a grand

by selling heirlooms (or grandma’s wheelchair)

and then hare it to the gem store, with hand

on heart, plead a done deal for a big solitaire.

Gentlemen prefer blondes, but blondes prefer

rocks and preferably bigger and with more sparks

than those in the eyes of he who would woo her.

You good boys, listen, how to get top marks!

Glen Phillips © July, 2007.

and my response:

Frances Macaulay Forde reading a poem at Poets Corner, Perth Cultural Centre, 2005.

Lesson No 65

See, diamonds are hard

as everyone knows,

a girl must have metal

for this century’s woes.

Getting her rocks off

whether blond, red or brunette

no faking, no waiting – Helen,

woman hasn’t peaked yet.

While gentlemen play with image

cream blondes, brunettes achieve.

Red wears stainless steel bands

inscribed with ‘We must believe!’

Don’t strive for tabloid wants

look past the surface bling,

there’s more to a woman

tho’ the sparkle is tempting…

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Jesamine, Equals and Rolling Stones.

Posted in Africa, Love, Music, Sounds, tagged 1971, Charlie Watts, Ellington Jazz Club, Frances Macaulay Forde, L'Wren Scott, Mick Jagger, Perth, Rolling Stones, The Casuals, The Equals, Zambia on March 20, 2014| 3 Comments »

‘Sleepy’ Perth has been awoken by the presence of the mighty Rolling Stones although sadly their first Australian concert for many years has to be postponed.

My heart goes out to Mick and all who loved and knew his best friend, L’Wren Scott.

While the band members deal with the change in plans, they’ve been forced to keep their tongue logo parked on the tarmac at Perth Airport.

Last night, drummer Charlie Watts found an outlet for his musical talents at one of our best known secrets; the Ellington Jazz Club.

I’ve very sure the capacity crowd of 135 will dine out on their impromptu concert for many years to come.

My niece Aimee has long been a fan of the club and although many of the family have enjoyed the Jazz, we’ve not got there yet.

Muther’s Convention playing in Zambia, 1971 – Hubby on the left.

So ex-musician hubby and I were discussing our misfortune in not choosing to go, when he told me about his two claims to fame; acting as local tour guides and helping ferry instruments etc when ‘The Casuals’ visited Zambia in about 1971 and his band ‘Muther’s Convention’ playing as support for ‘The Equals’ on their Zambian tour a year later.

I didn’t recognize the names immediately so good old Google came to the rescue and ‘Voila!’ I’m instantly transported with the sound of one of my all-time favorite songs “Jesamine” by the Casuals.

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Thoughts on St Paddy’s…

Posted in Africa, Ireland, Love, Poetry, Sketching In Ireland, WA Writers, Writing, tagged Co Cork, Day, Frances Macaulay Forde, Ireland, Irish roots, Loss, Love, Poem, St Patgricks, Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 17, 2014| Leave a Comment »

St Paddy’s Day in Cork, at the parade, 2003

Spending 14 glorious months in Co Cork and having the opportunity to attend a real Irish St Patrick’s Day Parade on Patrick Street in Cork City; my Irish Hubby and I always raise a glass to our Irish roots.

It turns out (after much family history research) both our families come from Co Cork, about 10 miles from each other ~ but we actually met in the middle of Africa!

My gorgeous Hubby and I celebrating in Oz. 2008.

Inevitably, I can’t help thinking of my dear old Dad who was so proud of his heritage who cannot have his usual Guinness today ~ we lost him 31 years ago.

My Dear Old Dad on holiday in South Africa 1966.

Unconditional

That moment

when I realized

you weren’t asleep,

I couldn’t cry.

I wanted to,

thought I should,

but I couldn’t shed tears

for all those years

when I was loved

unconditionally.

When I knew

no matter what I did

or said, you would always

love me – be there for me.

Put a plaster on my hurts,

fix me up with kisses, give

words to make me feel better.

I’ll never forget your strength.

How your arms encircled me,

the safeness of a oak tree,

dense, caring and complete.

I need that care now!

I need to feel safe again,

to sail into your harbour of care,

find you there, waiting

with open arms, accepting

all my faults, all my mistakes

and letting them go.

You always helped me

move on to new adventures,

strengthened by your love.

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“Is this the point…”

Posted in Hidden Capacity, Love, Poetry, Romance, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, Perth City Skyline, Poem, poems, poetry in Western Australia, South Per, WA, Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 6, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Perth Skyline, taken from the Mend St Jetty across the fiver in South Perth.

Thought I’d share another poem from my first book written during my on-line courtship, specifically what a poetry editor in Ireland deemed a ‘quirky’ title, to see what you think.

“Is this the point where you tell me

you’ve been bulls*itting all along?”

This comment, at 12.33pm on messenger,

stopped me in my tracks – I had to

question you…

Why say that? Is this where you are?

Role research? Experimenting on me?

I have opened the door for you once more.

You are the love of my life returned

to my room…

‘cos of who you are, who you’ve been.

And who I’ve been – where I’ve been.

My labels are cheap, used and tattered.

Yours exciting, money new, and ‘out there’.

Can you ignore…

appreciate the journey, walk the same road

remembering why I react from memories.

How did this happen and why now?

The director knows the outcome,

my script done…

Nuances of assistance from higher hands…

mysterious determined effort for lasting love.

If the future wanes – dumping my heart…

When I prove not to be what you want…

If my love…

can’t match your carefully constructed,

mental and emotional picture of me today…

Rejection! A resounding slap in the face.

Eternal damnation of idealism – romance.

Proving …

my impossible dreams have no right

to insert themselves into my reality.

I will still love you – hate you first but

eventually settle back to loving you again,

sub-consciously….

I will treasure always you careful words,

your considered approach – all the ‘bulls*it’!

From my 1st book of poems ‘Hidden Capacity ~ a poet’s journey’ Published in Cork, Ireland, 2003.

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Renovations

Posted in Africa, Love, nature, Poetry, Romance, Sounds, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, jacarandas, nature, Poem, poetry, sounds, Wind chimes, writing on February 26, 2014| 4 Comments »

Reading Vinny’s blog and his wonderful ‘Wind Chimes’ poem reminded me of a poem I wrote in 2002 when I found my life was suddenly turned upside down, down-under.

I had to pack up the house I’d lived in by myself for 28 years after divorce, while I explored the possibilities of returned love at the age of 52 and learnt to share my sacred space again.

It was not always easy but my reward was a love I didn’t know was possible.