Who can tell when inspiration might strike and what may prove to be the catalyst. We just have to be ready and willing to respond when it comes calling.  A recent chance sighting of a goat was all it took to bring a memory flooding back from a much earlier time in my life.  A memory not to be denied. And so I began to nourish words and memories  in my mind, and a quite unexpected poem emerged.  The One And Only Lionel When my father astounded the whole family And purchased a goat It signalled the end of his lawn mowing desires. For several years  I had dutifully fulfilled the role of lawn mower man for the family plot. -But now,  I was moving away to study teaching and my father made a sudden decision  to replace me with Lionel, -as my father referred to the goat Lionel came with certain obvious advantages -he cost little to feed -worked longer hours And generated less noise. Lionel had to be tethered, of course To save my mother’s hydrangea and protect the fruits of the orchard Some

A new school year has commenced here in Australia. Schools, nationwide, are facing enormous challenges, confronting the headwinds of this continuing pandemic. No doubt young learners are keen to find themselves in the social setting of the classroom once more, so we must hope that all goes well for school communities everywhere. Fingers crossed.  Bravo to teachers world-wide, who continue to display incredible professionalism and commitment in the face of the continuing need to adapt their delivery of vital education. Here are some fresh, new school poems, a small gift of sorts. Some poetry to launch into the start of the year. A year wrapped in hope for lighter, brighter times.   We Start Out, Fresh And Shiny The sun comes up On the first day Of a new school year We walk through the school gate School shoes tight,   shiny and new Uniform fresh and clean Our faces full of smiles And kissed by the summer. Friends greet us Stories swapped The corridors gleam and sme