Here is my reading of the poem, 'Summer In The Hills- Monbulk Memories' from my 2016 anthology -'I Bet There's No Broccoli On The Moon' made possible by my recent visit to Monbulk, where I spent my formative years. -my fortunate years.
It's Poetry Friday and this week's host is Carol from Carol's Corner, who is highlighting the concept of being 'woke.' Carols sees it as being aware your surroundings and challenging how we strengthen our relationships with the government, with community, and nature.To be woke is to fight for your civil rights, and the rights of your neighbors...
To be woke is to understand that equality and justice for some is not equality and justice at all. We must stay alert. We must ask hard questions. We must stand for what is right, even when it is difficult and scary. Carol presents the poetry of three young female poets who have collaborated on a book suitably titled 'Woke.' A laudable pursuit... You can find out lots more by visiting Carol's Corner.
How wonderful to hear your voice read your poem and see your summer. That was fabulous. Thank you, Alan. That shot of the fern trees at the end...wow! And, the stream. It's all so lovely. There is something about thinking about "home," for me lately. I think the uncertainty of the pandemic and the worry makes me long for a time when things felt more sure. I think of the past quite a bit. You inspire me to find some photos and words to describe it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda. It was my pleasure to share poetry in this way- in this spiritual place. I think you are spot on with your summation of uncertain times and a longing for home. I look forward to the treasure you reveal in your 'rummaging' through photographs and memories ( an unintentional reference to Jim Croce)
DeleteThank you for this video, Alan, and for your poem full of memories. Beautiful, and a peek into a new place for me. Great t-shirt too. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Irene. Memories aplenty for me in this part of the world. Glad you enjoyed it and the T-shirt too.
DeleteSuch a glorious celebration of Monbulk- such specificity of details and moments. I loved hearing you read your work. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol. I guess the specificity arises from the lived experience. It was my pleasure to read the poem and share poetry in this way. Something different.
DeleteNone of us had the summers portrayed in the media, did we? Thank you for giving me a peek into a childhood summers very different from mine! (We do have the scent of chlorine in common!!)
ReplyDeleteIt is fair to say summer got swamped by the continuing challenges of Covid Mary Lee. I have no doubt our Southern Hemisphere summer will be different too. While our respective summers are unique in so many respects, we have interconnected experiences too.
DeleteHow wonderful to see and hear you and go to such a beautiful place. I got to thinking of my childhood sitting by the Delaware River near where I lived and how much I loved the water.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good time for reflection Janice. So glad you enjoyed my nostalgic visit to my hometown. Maybe your memories will revisit your own special place in the days ahead...
DeleteI enjoyed getting to see and hear you, Alan--I don't know why I didn't realize you were Australian! Your poem makes me realize how small the world seemed to most of us as young kids...I wonder if it feels the same way to 10-year-olds now?
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked what you saw and heard Heidi. I guess I have endeavoured to be a poet first and an Australian second in this space, but the video removes any doubt as to my origins. There exists in the world some degree of universality surrounding childhood. I hope it remains, but so much is being eroded. Kids generally spend less time exploring wild and untamed places in the manner of generation past- and that's a bit sad. I still encourage 10 year olds to be curious learners and keen observers of the world.
Delete"Saw summer through a forest of ferns." Alan, this was a special video enhanced by your reading of your poem. Thank you for this poetic diversion this morning. I needed to feel summer on this chilled dreary day and be charmed by nature. Your hometown resurrected such peaceful memories.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your gracious remarks Carol. I am pleased my summery words brightened your morning. It was indeed a peaceful place in which to grow up and I retain most positive memories of those days in the hills.
Delete