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Open Poetry #19
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Rick
Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903
Victoria, Australia

0 posted 2002-02-15 07:53 AM



You know; I’ve never travelled far, or seen much of this land
And I’m sure that many people who have done, don’t understand

Just why my roots have grown so deep, within this place called home
And why my longing for the road, has never really shown

But slowly visions they have come, of that our great outback
And mind it wanders now and then, as dreams they walk its track

And slowly I join desert and the road that spans so far
While feelings stir within my gut, to look back on the tar

I see our land down under, dressed with bush and land so dry
While joining new bound travellers, as the same long road they try

I stop and watch our ocean’s mass with waves of wild and free
And rest surprised, at spans of eyes, with view at each degree

I see the mines that men have made, in hunt for fortunes stone
I feel the cold of desert nights; greet moon I’ve never known

I find the secret waters, while then bathing in their mist
I walk a forest filled with life, which beauty surely kissed

I see the hopping kangaroos and dingos as they cry
I touch the rocks of ancient time, which age does well defy

I see the view of Ularu, its setting cast in ore
I come across the paintings, of the peoples long before

I feel the wind sweep valley floors, caressing land of free
Then touch the place of sacred sights and tribes that used to be

I join the mountain sunset, with the red that fills the sky
I hear the sounds of nothing but, the peace of night go by

But then I stir and waken, as the dream I have does fade
As nothing but a sense of calm, reflects on journey made

So then in silence I do sit and dream of what might be
If dreams turned to reality, and the true outback I’d see

© Copyright 2002 Rick Van Weenen - All Rights Reserved
Munda
Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544
The Hague, The Netherlands
1 posted 2002-02-15 08:59 AM


I've seen a small part of your country and believe me, it's as great as you describe it! Isn't the mind a great way to travel? But then... to see it for real is even better. Great job!
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
2 posted 2002-02-15 09:22 PM



Ah Rick, thank you for this. I feel as if I have taken a National Geographic tour, with my own guide...

Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136
Mobile, AL
3 posted 2002-02-15 09:28 PM


It all sounds beautiful, and the trip sounds like quite an experience. You've made me want to go there with this. Enjoyed!

For all who watch.Dare you say hello? Come in and ask the questions that are on your mind, but spare me your judgement until you truly sipped of me.

Rick
Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903
Victoria, Australia
4 posted 2002-02-15 10:26 PM


Thank you all for your replies, I hope to see it all in the coming years, but for now will have to be content with the mind journeys.

Sincerely Rick

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
5 posted 2002-02-16 05:37 PM




(smiles) Ooohhhhhhhh...I'd love to go there so much and see Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, and much of the Outback! (big hugggssssss) This is sooooo gorgeous, sweet friend, makes me want to take a vacation, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Rick, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
6 posted 2002-03-01 11:17 AM


Rick

Thank you for this lovely journey into the places of your heart.  

Here is mine:

California

The patterned inland is quilted
in perfect symmetry
from above in muted gold and brown,
a beloved tapestry for harvesting
this wealth from soil rich labor.

Beside the mighty ocean
the cliffs fall in ocean’s curl
and the highway meanders in canyon’s wealth
with a picket fence and wild flower faces
and all the birds holding the wind
then nestle in the curve that lifts
them echoing the voice of sea
to rest on driftwood’s castles strewn.

The redwoods close into their wealth
with mighty green enfolding
and breath so many moon-topped years
to hold the dear fern greenly splendid
laying on this log beneath
is like seeing creation’s beginning.

The desert falls across the night
and turns the eye in vast display
of sky that shows such light
that children from the city cry
in awe that such a thing could be
and perfume delights the air
that is freshened daily by the wind
across the brave and graceful land.

Each city sparkles with uniqueness
splaying rooftops red tile gleam
and cabins out of logs retreat
on mountains high with warm hearth nestle
and there upon the ocean bluff
with windows captured view pacific
is my dream in splendor dangling.

Clenched within the valleys fold
families on cul de sacs watch from porches
children ride on bikes with training wheels
and couples walk the dog
and crickets hum as evening falls
across the parks and lakes and streams
that whisper home.

strbbux
Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859

7 posted 2002-03-01 01:35 PM


This is not only visually beautiful with great imagery but so well written, I love that rhyme scheme. great work. floria

Floria

"Alas for those that never sing,
But die with all their music in them"
(Oliver Wendell Holmes)

Pilgrimage
Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945
Texas, USA
8 posted 2002-03-01 03:03 PM


Oh, I liked this one. I'd love to see Australia. Your descriptions intrigue me.

Nan

Victoria
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-08-12
Posts 5869

9 posted 2002-03-01 03:30 PM


Nicely done Rick...so nice when you love your homeland..enjoyed reading mate

                    ~Victoria~

"Mistakes are the portals of discovery."
-- James Joyce


Nightshade
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962
just out of reach
10 posted 2002-03-01 04:00 PM


Rick, I ejoyed this read and I do hope that you get to travel far and wide someday. Chris

Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away.

Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
11 posted 2002-04-02 12:27 PM


Hello Rick

I am so glad I found this masterpiece.  Speaking as an Australian and one who has done a lot of travelling I can say firsthand that there is no place like home.  We are enriched with such a beautiful country and after all of my many travels it is so good to come back to this land I love and feel so very proud of.  Your words spoke of the breathtaking beauty of our land and you are certainly a master at your craft in writing.  The imagery was nothing short of stunning and made me want to visit the outback, something I am yet to do.

Take care......Sue

Suetang

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