apart from
the environmental destruction of the planet
the overwhelming greed and dishonesty of our institutions
the extraordinary self centredness of 'me' generations
the aggression and violence of drivers on our roads
the oppression of women
the repression of freedom of speech
cultural marxism
the compulsory imposing of conformity
the lack of values of our leaders
the declining standards of education
manifested in literature and the arts
the obscene waste in western countries
the ugliness of brutal modern architecture
sociopathic hackers destroying the hard drive on my computer
bushfires
floods
climatic mayhem
the continual disappointment of personal relationships
finally facing the awful reality that
i am never going to be married to colin firth
i take comfort
there are always
wonderful marmalade cats
smiling dogs
my purple singapore orchids
the blue green sea
i can still swim
the mangoes have been good this year
sicilian olives are cheap
my favourite drop
is being sold at half price this week
and
it's still summer
Maroubra Beach
I resonate with every line, even the intense love of everything Colin Firth.
ReplyDeleteGratitude is the best push against despair. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI love Colin Firth! and yes. there will always be wonderful marmalade cats.
ReplyDeleteThis is my all-time favourite poem of yours. I wish I had written it. It is perfect.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest it is summer 75% of the time in Australia and the rest of year is bearable. As for Colin Firth; you can have him for some reason he has never turned me on!
ReplyDeleteThe summary of what's all wrong these days bulldozes you over and ten on a lighter note "reality that i am never going to be married to Colin firth" lol He is cute yes and the marmalade cats make you appreciate the good things in life Smile
ReplyDeleteRightly said. "...purple singapore orchids / the blue green sea" - have to love these :)
ReplyDeleteAs I read the first part of your powerful list poem, Rall, I started to despair. But the short stanza is so full of hope and wonderful things such as marmalade cats, smiling dogs, mangoes and Sicilian olives! It’s not even spring here yet, but I know it’s coming.
ReplyDeletePoignant and amusing. I am so ready for it to be summer here! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete