Perth Words… exploring possibilities.

Flt Lt J.A. FORDE D.F.C - 1944

PATHFINDER

Even after all these years
I miss you, Dad. Your solid
guiding presence, care
kept me safe as I grew.
Just like those brave 
young men of your crew.

Your pioneering spirit, 
lead with confidence, 
convinced me to fly
toward adventure,
the exciting unknown
my far-away future.

Explore new landscapes,
Striding with pride, guided
by you, still lighting my way, 
Like you did in your youth.
My Pathfinder always, 
knowing the safe route.

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2023

#POEM:Pathfinder  #RAF-WW11  #Father'sDay  #Poetry  #Tribute  #ProudOfDad

Thank you to the American reader who unearthed this posting from 2014 today. I thought it worth re-blogging because there is the threat of war in the air again… just like in 2003.

11 Fun Facts about Koalas

Surfing Instagram today, I saw the cutest video of a baby Koala cuddled by his mum and was instantly inspired. 

Joey’s mountain. 

Oh, to be a Koala, cuddled for
the first 12 months of your life.

Snug and warm above, in a gum 
tree divide, safe in mum’s cozy fur.

Dozing to a leaf lullaby, rocked by 
the wind.  Food to be devoured

with glee - and free. No rent to pay
or house to maintain.  Eucalypt 

umbrella protects from the rain,
swaying wet songs. No need to clean. 

Just stretch a hand, grab a branch - chew.
Time to sleep, feed, breed - as Koalas do.

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2023

#POEM:Joey'sMountain    #FrancesMacaulayForde   #Poetry  #NewPoem  #BabyKoala  #KoalaJoey 

This poem was written to the artwork ‘Breathe’ by Jessica McCallum for her debut JM Exhibition at His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth, Western Australia, 2009. It was later read at a friend’s wedding.

Like dust…	

…in the brightest moments of your life you will see me, know I am here, 
but most of the time, forget you are surrounded until I pile myself onto
the surfaces of your life, obscure the view ~ stop you seeing clearly, 

for I will blind you with dust.  I have finally found the perfect place, 
will settle proudly, content to exist in your garden, even when you shovel 
me around, stack me on the side or toss me away turning me into mud 

with tears… I will still be here.  You’ll see me hurrying as the sunlight 
streams, to nestle happily once again in the nooks and crannies 
of your everyday.  As you work, I will lay waiting patiently on polished glass 

for you to draw, or write, or whisper a reminder of me. When you move 
or brush me from your shoulder I will find a way to climb up, to be near 
your heart once more, to hold you, to cover you with many, many particles 

so light, so soft, so tender you won’t be able to ignore me because I want
to go where you go and be where you are. I am found in every corner 
of your life, all of your rooms, all of your emotions and all of your actions. 

Remember I absolutely exist. I am on your breath, your clothes, your food. 
I am outside, around and in you.  I will multiply with every puff of kissed air, 
each gentle breeze moving over your body, every cloud that shadows 

the brilliance of your day, each current of warmth, every time you touch. 
I am here resting on every surface of your life. You’ll see so much dust 
you’ll want to claim it, write your name in it and make me yours ~ forever.      


Frances Macaulay Forde © 2009

#POEM:LikeDust #ART:JMExhibition #ARTIST:JessicaMcCallum #ARTisTheSPARK #EkphrasticPOEM #POETRY #WeddingVow

‘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 recognize your words, 
only feelings.  


‘DUMB’	

I won’t question because I can’t – I will show you 
I know you, I feel you, I see you but can only grunt
 and grin with love – music for your eyes even 
though the world may frown at the ugly sounds you 
cannot hear.  No need to speak, I declare our love 
with every tentative press of flesh – a smile which 
steals the words and hope you can read me clearly 
– hear the vow I cannot say.


Frances Macaulay Forde © 2009

Poem written to the art of Jessica McCallum 
for JM Exhibition 6th December 2009
at His Majesty's' Theatre, Perth, West Australia.

#ARTisTheSPARK  #POEM:Deaf  #POEM:Dumb  #ART:JMMcCallum  #JessicaMcCallum  #EkphrasticPoetry   #Poems  #HisMajesty'sTheatre