This week, inspired by a new song from The National's lead singer, Matt Berninger, 'Ask For Water,'  I went in search of water themed poems in my poetry vault. I wasn't exactly sure what I would find, not a deluge,  but I was curious. Here is some of what I found... My Dad Was a Rain-man I stood beside my dad one summer afternoon Under the eaves of the back veranda As indigo clouds Blotted out the summer sky And threw our world into warm shadows Dad broke the silence Can you smell the rain?   -It’s only minutes away So we waited Staring skyward Listening to low rumbling of distant thunder As lightning scratched the sky And the clouds sprung leaks Soon large, heavy droplets Slapped the ground Before a downpour drenched the day Stripping dust from the air around us Making everything fireproof  He knew rain my Dad He could read the sky I saw him do it once. Alan j Wright Time Beside the Sassafras Creek Occasionally I stand still Beside the muddy bank of the c...

  'Writing is evidence that we exist.'   Donald Graves This poem regarding notebooks emerged during my recent holdiay in Bali. Since returning home it has undergone some polishing. The poem's title gives a nod to the late actor, Karl Malden who made the phrase famous in an advertisement for American Express some years ago.  My one small regret is that this poem  emerged after the publication of my latest book, 'Notebook Notions.' I opened Notebook Notions with a poem about writing and feel this poem would have neatly closed the book. Afterall, the book is a reflective journey through 43 years of notebook scribing.  Don’t Leave Home Without It Take your notebook with you  When you leave For other lands, Visit other cities, When you wander down streets Of unfamiliar towns. Your notebook Will remind you of exactly who you are And where you are from And matters residing safely in your heart. Years from now, The words you gather will...

  I have just returned from two weeks in Sanur,Bali. My first overseas travel adventure for two years. My stay delivered a most relaxing time, enabling me to read, write and relax, -the Balinese people, friendly and welcoming as ever. This holiday time coincided with the launch of a new writer's notebook, so I had added incentive to fill it with a mass of observations and special moments.  A range of short poems spilled out across my stay in Sanur, a place I have been fortunate to visit several times before. Each time the writing is easy on this tranquil island.  I began gently with the flowers blooming close by... This morning I looked at the flowers And said Thank you.  Alan j Wright Then came some Haiku as I developed a routine of sitting in Patio Cafe mid morning coffee and contemplation, while watching the world buzz by as words swirled in my head. Walk the streets early  As earth's vapours are rising And sunlight is soft. Large green leaves flutter Like sa...