On Chapel Street

Good morning Phillip. Have you had your latte yet? You need to have your latte Phillip cause it is there for all of us. The Mission gives you a free coffee every day Phillip and I know how much you like your latte. Do you want me to go see Shirley for you so she can bring your latte. I came down on the train today cause I wanted to practice for me job interview tomorrow. I needed to get here early so I could practice getting here on time Phillip. I expect to do well this time you know. I reckon my chances are good. My advisor she has me right ready for this, this time Phillip. She is a good one this one, she is you know. Are you going to start working soon Phillip? It is time you know. We should all be trying to do our part and you know the country is short of workers Phillip. You would be right good for it though, I know you would. I am nervous for it though. Oy Shirley fetch Phillip his latte here will you, that's a good girl. I am nervous about the job Phillip and if I could I would figure away out you know. Perhaps if I were injured they might let me away from this job, what do you think Phillip? What if you hit me Phillip, right hard here in the jaw, that would cause me some damage and I could get... oh thank you Shirley, he hasn't had his latte yet today you know, you are a right charmer you are Shirley... so you could hit me hard Phillip, break my jaw or some teeth maybe, get me out of the work and all you know. I wouldn't tell anyone, that's way you wouldn't go to jail or nothing Phillip. That wouldn't do would it and I would feel right awful I would. Have you got a girl friend yet Phillip, I have my eye on a right pretty girl, and I am awfully hopeful I am. She knows me and lives near me. We ride the tram sometimes and she sits near me she does. You ought to get a girlfriend Phillip, it's a nice thing. Are you liking your latte, Shirley makes the best lattes doesn't she Phillip. Oh there is George, hi George, Phillip and I were just talking here well actually Phillip is listening on account of his latte and all. Are you all good George? Oh you are, I am glad for you George. Well I have to run and practice for my getting to work on time for my interview tomorrow George. You should have a latte because Shirley she makes real nice ones George. What? No I never drink them myself George. I don't like lattes. But Phillip is real keen on them. Bye George, bye Phillip.

Remembrance

They are climbing the steep incline road to the top of Red Rock. Five old Aussie soldiers on their bicycles. They cajole and encourage each other to stand and push, you can do it, if I can you can you old crusty bastard. Together they arrive, tired, exhilarated, having again defeated an enemy to successfully take this hill. They stand on the edge gazing out in the vast, long dormant volcanic plain below. At their request I take their picture. "We come here to celebrate Remembrance Day" says one. "It's time" says another. "We still have 15 seconds by my watch." "Shaddup Pat."



Tick tock tick tock tick tock...



For one minute we share fellowship of silence. Pat staring to the ground. His mate staring at his friends. The three remaining staring out across the vast vista beyond. And me staring at five old soldiers who fought together. I admire and give my silent thanks for the peace and freedom they have found.

Voices on the Great Ocean Road

Just what would cause you to look way over there?
Everything you need to see is right here.
Birds you say, geez man they are just birds.
The colours are splendid I am sure,
But they are also here in and with me.
Stay with me lad.
What shiny thing has your attention now?
A girl!
My God why?
They are nothing but trouble and
Compared to me there can be no better rapture.
Oh now what,
Scenery.
I have that in spades and in every imaginable shape and size.
And you have your back to me,
Staring up walls,
Straining your back to look at trees and flowers.
Oh my God!
Where are you off too?
Chasing butterflies.
Oh grow up!
I don't care how colorful,
And how beautiful they are.
Anything they can do I can do better.
You mate must pay attention to me.
For that is what this road is for.
To celebrate me.
Me, it is all about me,
This great narcissistic pool.

Eucalyptus

She moves seductively
The breezes shimmer across her jewels
Pressing her clothing to her body
Slowly she releases
Freeing herself of these garments that bind and protect
A dance so sensuous as clothing drops to her feet
Revealing a body so beautiful
With skin smooth and oiled, pale and inviting
A scent enticing, spicy and so sweet
Oils healing and soothing
The flowers in her hair
White, yellow, pink, and red
A delight to my sight
I lay at her feet
In the forest ground bed
Peer up through her arms
As her jewels reach down to me
Her shade will protect me
Her clothing will warm me
Her oils will heal me
Her gifts do overwhelm me