To the Swagman

Today, I write of a swagman
in Cambridge whom I miss
A gentleman of candor,
wit and uncanny humor
Passionate marsupial tamer of
such exquisite feature:
a Kookabura’s beak for a nose;
a nape of a Red Kangaroo
Hearing his distinct enunciation
is an everyday dream
a product of vivid fantasies!
His words make me wonder
of the universe, infinity
and forever

The only world I’ve ever
known is of mine
‘til fate had its work of divine
A meeting with a ghost
ne’er been seen nor heard
Oh --- such is an encounter
worse than a tragedy
or a curse!
Even once, let me meet you
under a coulibah shade
to come and take me
on a waltzing matilda!

For as time goes by
will I just be forgotten?
What we have is without
a name, sense, certainty
Cruel time, will you allow such
marriage of the selves?
What feelings will be stirred,
I wonder ---
What thoughts shall spring?

Of music not in sync
afraid I am not;
but of time’s soft whisper:
“You’re too late, my dear.”

Reviews

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

I LOVE this not just cos im Aussie but i think you wrote this poem very cleverly
i like it love the style and rhythm and the words
you have done a great job