Monthly Archives: September 2026

No going back

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I will not go back, I will not go back
I will not go back 
because my mother died when I was a child
and my father became so absent he might as well have left at the same time

it is not as if there was a family left around which to gather and share lives, hurts and hopes
because looking after myself became my only hope

it is not as if there was a safe front door I could walk through any time of day or night 
because the front door was closed and I was not offered a key

it is not as if there was an alternative refuge which I could call my own
because he gave any potential space away along with everything else

it is not as if there was a paternal welcome ever awaiting me
because he usually didn't even bother to show up

no, I will not go back. I will not go back
I will not go back
because now he is dead even the false hope has gone

Tableland Talk, October 2026

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202610_nws_TTDownload

Urban bio link haiku

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Transport corridors, 
diverse bio links?
Urban saviours? I don’t think!

Spring came early

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Spring came early
but it should still be winter here don’t you see
the days are already warm and the sun is strong
winter didn’t last very long

the birds are foraging for insects on the ground
and amongst blossom everywhere
the shrike thrush and swallows are nesting in sheds and car ports
oblivious without a care
but car owners are not amused
while more small creatures emerge looking confused 

the grass should be flat, sparse and short
borne down by the cold and frost
but instead the mower labours through a thick upstanding vital green
and the weeding tools in the growth get lost 

I look out from the verandah in bare feet and T shirt
dismayed at the sight that greets me
I ask myself how did we allow this great hurt?
this quickening of the seasons now so fast it daily grieves me

Sally

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Melbourne East End Street Art- artist unknown.
Sally hurts tonight
after yet another fight
her smashed left eye a sight
from a furious right cross fist closed tight

Sally has nowhere to go
at least nowhere she is prepared to show
her beaten black and blue face of blows
that keep her trapped as a hostage in tow

Sally experiences violence daily
she reflects on her life sadly
how did it come to this?
it started with a kiss

Spring Haiku #02

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White bird, yellow crest.

Hollow incubator nest.

Before hatchlings, rest.

Paternecroinfamiliaris

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My father's death still bothers me
because I think it’s a sin
to die after 68 years of fathering
without letting your boy in

and I see him as doubly negligent 
to have lost his mind in the end
so that the only time I got to share with him
was when he was beyond ever becoming a friend

I am partly responsible for giving up trying
since I recognised his absence from my life
and now I also resent his absence by dying
as much as I resented in me his lack of faith

Alone

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I walk alone upon the path
In deep discussion that makes me laugh
here I am a social being
talking to myself without seeing
a single soul from week to week
and no desire with which to seek
companionship or another’s humour
tall tales or disrespectful rumour

I know myself I can rely on me
I can be the person I want to be
I can see the things I want to see
and if need be I can more easily flee
alone

Winter Springs Warm

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Photo Michael Taylor.
If winter is now to be spring
here’s the thing
summer is going to be scorching and long
the sun will beat down dangerous and strong
more intense fires will more frequently burn
for longer in more places each in their turn
as the driest droughts on earth each year
will become hot enough to boil our tears

2026 has seen Melbourne and Sydney’s hottest winters on record. This is no surprise because we all witnessed signs of Spring beginning in July. 

Individually we feel powerless. Locally we are powerless. Nationally we continue to vote based on personal short term needs. Globally we hopelessly observe desperate hand wringing and inconsequential action with resignation.

The Love Party

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this kiss, first of spring
two lovers, lives joined as one
sparks - The Love Party

On a perfect spring day the wedding takes place. The setting a pillow soft grassy sward of green subtly dappled by the fresh blooming leaves and branches above. This verdant carpet gently slopes down to the tumbling Spring Creek below. Running water creates a tinkling backdrop to a natural amphitheatre.

The semi circular gathering of friends, family and other loved ones is awash with anticipation. The new season’s golden sunshine adds to the warm inner glow in which each soul present dreamily basks. 

A murmur precedes a parting, a joyous gasping announces the arrival of two brilliant smiles on radiant faces. Black patent leather shoes and open white sandals step gracefully down the way. The crisp pin striped navy suit attired Emerald is arm in arm with Georgia in a shimmering white satin jacket and trousers that flash and ripple in the light breeze. Emerald and Georgia are married. They seal their commitment with their first married springtime kiss .....  and the three day Love Party begins.

Mish set this week’s d”Verse Haibun prompt. Check it out. https://dversepoets.com/2026/08/31/haibun-monday-wedding-bliss/