Monthly Archives: January 2020
“Australian Bushfires” by James Aitchison
1 CommentAustralian bushfires
They say the smoke has reached Chile.
Not just the smoke from our blazing forests,
But the smoke from lost fireys and townsfolk,
And thousands oft homes,
And five hundred million wild animals,
And cattle and sheep and bold horses
Burned alive in once-lush paddocks.
They say the smoke is toxic. It is not.
It is sacred.
“Leaving” by Louise McCarthy
Leave a commentOne hour until midnight,
A strange and warning silence,
Do we stay – what are the odds though?
Sleep is no defence.
The judgment is to leave,
Sad words will not escape,
Sentiment is beaten,
Just a few things can we take.
A box of precious items –
Photographs, souvenirs,
Silly little trinkets,
A change of clothes, books,
Pillows and some blankets.
Tall trees stand surrendered,
The backdrop of our home,
The sky is red and the air is hot,
And tomorrow is unknown.
Poetry Prompt 1 2020
Leave a commentGood Morning and welcome to the 2020 Australian Children’s Poetry Prompts.
We have certainly had an eventful summer in Australia.
How about for the whole of February we write poetry that instills hope into children after the bushfire events. Many of them have witnessed horrible scenes on TV and media and it would be beneficial for them to see the good that has come out of what has been a destructive time.
For example: Here are three prompts. You may have other ideas as well which are welcomed.
Heroes
Firefighters
Police
Volunteers
Community Groups
Animal rescue groups
Red Cross
Armed forces
One idea here is a thank you poem
New Growth
The new growth happening in our forests
Hope in general
How hope is a reason to continue fighting and believe things will improve.
You may like to pick a particular area of Australia and research what has happened in that area to write your poetry.
Please send in poems this week to
poemoftheday.jaxton@gmail.com
Thankyou
Jeanie
And this weeks thought:
“Australia Day” by Toni Newell
2 Comments
Our wonderful Australia,
Is a wonderful country,
That’s opened its arms,
To diversity.
It’s integrated people,
From afar and near,
Absorbed different cultures,
Given support to those in fear.
And now Australia’s shared,
With Indigenous and white,
And skins of many colours,
Which come together to unite.
Our richness has evolved,
From just food upon our plate,
But to customs, religion, art,
Architecture, and debate.
It is indeed a tapestry,
Of cultures intertwined,
And should be viewed and loved,
Not trampled by mankind.
This is Australia’s story,
And whilst troubles have been seen,
We strive to make it better,
Move forward from what has been.
So, let us all embrace,
Our great diversity,
Which brings us all together,
In this, our ‘sunburnt’ country.
Herald on Australia Day,
So, we can celebrate,
A country which embraces,
And where all can become a ‘mate’.
