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Bush-legend
| Open Poetry #23 |
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Bush-legend |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704
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New Zealand is the safest place in the world A review: the desert running in a strip through the heart of the North Island, with subtropical bush in rivalry scattered on the sides the South with mountains – Aorangi, the brave salute you – huddling resorts in the shadow and still Milford Sound Stewart Island (so many forget) the haven for threatened birds and people who live untamed our membranous coasts enclose islands, life – vision-blind it can’t happen here A list of non-assets: no bordering countries no nuclear weapons no strong economic handhold no international offences just a speck on the map in boardrooms the marvellous forgotten – small in our pacifist pride shuffling out babies and lambs and kiwi-fruit myth so come be safe at the bottom of the world its sad and unenduring that such an accolade needs any voice – and I’m waiting |
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| © Copyright 2002 Kamla Mahony - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Kielo Senior Member
since 2002-02-11
Posts 1109 |
I'm coming! ... No, wait. I have no money, nor do I have the ability to live on my own, even if I wanted to. I'm not even done school! LOL. I'll be there when I grow up... if I ever do. Anyway, I loved the poem.  Kielo I don't care if you're an old fart, because old people are smarter than me. |
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Jamie Member Elite
since 2000-06-26
Posts 3168Blue Heaven |
There is a certain comfort in a place that wraps us in its security. i imagine it can get boring at times though  JThere is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar. byron [This message has been edited by Jamie (10-25-2002 12:54 AM).] |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
As far as non-assets, count your blessings. It's the overwhelming and instant access of the planet which brings our pollution towards you. Your voice is heard. |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
It is all those things and more, - earthquakes and mud pools and sheep! let's not forget the sheep. Beautiful poem Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Severn, I'd love to get away from those helicopter that cruise the nuclear plant and the air force jets which yiou hear only in times of war. Sounds peacefu;, my dear, but peace comes from witin, though a tranquil setting can sooth the soul. You are very lucky to live in such a place Love ya, doll Liz |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Hey everyone  Firstly, thanks for replying - it's been awhile since I posted a poem (individual responses further down). Well...it's unfortunate but I seem somehow to have been misunderstood in this (that's not unusual for my poetry rotf) and this is one I really want to clarify... This isn't actually an invitation to the safest place in the world, because - I don't believe that it is, despite the recent international vote from 'authorities' that says as much. I don't feel as secure as I used to, nor as isolated (though I still feel pretty far away from it all lol). This was written after thinking about terrorism, and how it's struck so close to home lately - in Bali. I find it sad that a vote like 'this is the safest place to be' is even awarded to any nation - to me, this reinforces that sad facet of humanity, that tendency to maim one another. So yes, my last line: I am waiting - doesn't mean I'm waiting for people to come here, but anticipating the potential of terrorist acts touching home soil - not the likelihood, the potential. That said: Kielo - well maybe you'll never get here then - who wants to grow up eh? I'm all in favour of the peter pannish lifestyle... Jpooh - hah...my dear, I have seen more of the world, and my range of land that I consider home is wider than yours heh. So, perhaps it is yourself who gets bored eh? Heh heh heh  After all, you know my thoughts on security... ~tickle~RS - believe me, they're already here to an extent lol. Somehow, this tiny little country got involved in the capitalist societal paradigm...no way we could remain innured. Yet, all countries are affected - no matter how far, or what system they follow..it's rather like a food chain I think. ~grin~ Kethry - oh, sheep are overrated...fluffy, white, say baaa a lot...heh...mudpools..yeah, they're pretty cool (just smell a lot).. Liz - Well lady. ~pause~ It's so nice to read your words. I recall those giant tubular towers in the distance in your district. I know you were so used to them - but they unnerved me. I live in a city, which isn't itself tranquil, though there are indeed easily accessible pockets of tranquility scattered all through it. Love you. Thanks again all..  K |
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Jamie Member Elite
since 2000-06-26
Posts 3168Blue Heaven |
and yes.. given time, all the inhumanities we are capable of will indeed find their way to your fair country. J |
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Moonlight Romeo 
since 2001-09-10
Posts 982The heart of you |
The title itself lends to that fear. I wonder if any of us is safe anymore. Then, I wonder too, were we ever in the first place? Thank you. What light through yon window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Kamla "its sad and unenduring that such an accolade needs any voice – and I’m waiting" I understand this....and yes, it is sad. Huggles, you! |
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Cpat Hair
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793 |
We as humans have never been safe...only enjoyed the illusions of it and or the denial of reality. While today, the fact that we have moved towards a global community means we have perhaps taken a step closer to understanding each other, it also means we are more vulnerable to the extremists that would use violence. I sympathize with all the victims and their families of the recent attck in Bali and in all the other places across the globe. I also know that to live in fear or in hate is to allow the minority that embraces such terrible acts as acceptable to win a victory. Svern... your country is in a relatively isolated position, but its citizens travel worldwide which makes them perhaps more vulnerable than they are at home. Any great loss of life such as the bombing in Bali or other terrorist attacks draws media attention ( as it should) and with that attention we all feel a bit less safe, a bit less secure than we did before. Still... we can not bow down to the fear, nor can we allow the acts to continue without punishment. So we crave peace and for man to be gentle, yet hunt with relentless determination and with the goal of punishing those responsible for making those thing impossible. Do we not them begin again the cycle... and find the children of those punished now taking up the cause to revenge their loss? I have no answers... but we live in a world that is full of paradox . My wishes go out to you and all in your land as well as all those around the world, that are now touched with the sadness and creeping fear that seems spreading, for peace..... |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Severn Reads wonderful, as soon as I shave off a few years I'll be there.  |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Severn, I don't think I've met you (been here almost a month), but I am glad to be able to enjoy your work. This is a beautifully done poem of your homeland. It made all of us want to run right over there. I hope that the "potential" happenings (like the ones we've experienced here) NEVER come to your sweet home. It sounds like such a peaceful place there. Thanks so much for sharing with us. I hope to read more of your poetry. Love To All, Ethel |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Y'know...I read this, had my thoughts on what you meant, then read the comments and thought to myself, "well, it's not the first time you were wrong, mama K" and then...salvation...I saw I was right all along...  huggles... |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Before these old bones of mine are buried somewhere, I WILL visit your wonderful country...I've heard nothing but fine things. (And now, after seeing your picture....I've come to the conclusion there's one more "fine" thing there!!! Seriously, I will visit Austrailia and New Zealand in the near future for sure!..Good write pretty gal... |
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NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
Severn ~~ I would come to your beautiful and spectacular homeland in one second. When he was 19, our oldest son spent 6 months traveling from Sidney to Darwin to Ayres Rock to Victoria and Canberra. He has some of the most amazing pictures and enjoyed the adventure of a lifetime. I almost didn't read this as I thought it might be about our president!!! I'm so delighted I stopped by. Hugs, Marti Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. |
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NewEnglandlazurlu Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470A Mountain Paradise |
P.S. I should have read your reply. Sadly, the world we live in no longer affords any of us the peace and tranquility we once knew and took for granted. I don't think there's one soul on this planet who feels completely safe. Once I heard the news of Bali, it confirmed for me that terrorism is everywhere. But, thanks to the internet, we can reach out and touch people all over the world and somehow that brings me a bit of comfort. And I would still love to visit your country. Marti Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
I do recognize the subtle sarcasm, I do also realize that everything is relative. Internet, satellites, CNN, cell phones and affordable airfares have shrunk the globe. Combined with increased populations and we all are closer than ever. Sympathy pains are our future. But overall you are in an area which is near as isolated as is possible. Enjoy it while you can. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
hey SB, I should've known you'd write 'bout this and a terrific job you did too(as always). Is Stewart Island where they filmed "The Piano"? If so....when I get my er butt to yur place ONE day would you take me there? I want to be on that beach and have all those ferns around me and I want to hear the Tui  hugs dear Mmy |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
What would you do if Liz and I arrived there to count sheep? I am going to drag her somewhere, might as well be what our sweet Severn suggests. Hey wait a minute, isn't that where the crocodiles live, and those dingo dogs that don't behave? Something tells me that every paradise has a catch  but I sure loved your pride of homeland. |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
(sigh) Oh Kamla, I have heard so much about this place and too find New Zealand a wonderful place that I hope remains free of offense from the rest of the world and there the rare beauties will continue to be handled with loving care and at peace! (big hugggsssssss) You speak of this place so well, sweet friend, I love this, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kamla, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
Obscure, no. However, you may not have taken into account the audience you were presenting this to. To "us," a life without nuclear weapons, et al sounds idyllic. The contemplation of future association with other countries who've already become involved in terrorist attacks is practically moot (if not out-and-out desirable) to those already in the midst of it. Looking for a "sympathetic association" from your readers would require either a) a more in-depth study of your mindset, or b) an audience living in an area such as yours. You can tell by the responses that you've hit the wrong target. I see where you're going, see your "message" loud and clear (you weren't obscure at all with your last stanza), and still I felt "so what? just be happy you don't have to deal with it right now." It's an addition to the sad, running commentary on our times and semi-apathetic mindsets that it can be that way, but do you think a man on fire cares if you've just lit a match? Love you though. *big grin* |
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Sven
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937East Lansing, MI USA |
where are we most safe??? only in our hearts?? ah. . . but, there too. . .there is always. . . well, too many things. . . it's always good to read poetry. . .and few do it better my friend. . . --------------------------------------------------------- To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world. |
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Yu Lan Senior Member
since 2000-04-13
Posts 1462New Zealand |
Yay New Zealand!!! Yes I know, hehe.. so many ppl think of kiwifruit and sheep (and kiwis) when they hear "New Zealand". I really like this Severn, it's a beautiful tribute. Luv, Lynne It's nice to share - kiss someone when you have a cold. |
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