Ode to Charlee Marshalll

[Zondrae]

The first time I read 'November' I was so moved that I wrote the first stanza of this poem.

It rolled from the pen, and was washed with tears. I added to it later. If you haven't read 'November' by Charlee Marshall, I highly recommend you do so. (before reading this, maybe) It would enhance your understanding of why I was so moved.


Ode to Charlee Marshall
(on first reading ‘November’) (elbow)
© Zondrae King (01/11)

Where lies this man, with such a heart
who wrote like this? What was his part
in history’s page. Where does he lie?
For I would sit an hour by
his resting place and hope to feel
his spirit there. Then I would kneel
a moment more and offer up
a prayer that many will remember
the precious words of his ‘November.’

What spirit then inspired him
to write so fair a poem, a Hymn,
a verse that brought me to a tear;
to fill my eyes and wake my fear.
For those few words that I have read
are whirling round inside my head.
How sweet the motif, soft the words
to move the soul inside of me,
in praise of his sweet poetry.

And why, prey tell, did he write so?
Was there a way for him to know
the end was looming very near?
When writing, did he shed a tear?
And was sun warm on his back
or was a cloud of storm so black
it hid the sun, turned day to night?
What made him pen prophetic verses?
A vision or a Gipsy’s curses?

I must seek out a library
and find some other works that he
has penned. How I adore his skill!
For surely there’ll be volumes still
I have not read. The thought indeed!
His words have stirred in me, a need
to quest until I find his books
and read until I reach my fill
of Charlee’s pure poetic skill.


my reference to 'elbow' is the name I have for that muse that strikes and won't let you sit or lie in peace, until it has been written down.

[Terry]

Hi Zondrae,
That's a very well written poem and a pleasure to read.

I must see if I can dig up 'November' and have a read.

Have you entered anything in this years Comp., I haven't so far and there's only 3 or 4 days left.

Cheers Terry

[Kym]

Zondrae, Charlee lived in Thangool, a small town in Central Qld. Yes, you are right, he did know the end was in sight as he had cancer. He wrote some very beautiful poetry and some hilarious stuff too!

[Glenny Palmer]

A lovely tribute to Charlee, Zondrae. You should try to perform 'November'. I fluffed it the first time I tried. It was just a bit too close to Charlee's passing. He told me he wrote it in about 10 minutes after a newspaper wanted something 'hot off the press.' To add to his brilliance, 'November' is made up of not just one, but two sonnetts. I always think of Charlee as a 'hippy academic.' A brilliant man & genius writer. Much missed.

[Zondrae]

G'day Glenny,

Where have you been? We miss you on the site.
How lucky you are to have known Charlee. From the poems I have read (that he wrote) he seems like one of those rare people who create their own world. I would love to have met him.
Do you know if there are any books of his work available?

Back to you; how are you? have you been locked in a vault writing your next book? I apologise for my confusion about the results at Crookwell but I didn't write anything down and my memory is not as reliable as it used to be. I seem to be falling to bits - slowly - since my last birthday. I am however, better than I was two weeks ago.

Thanks for the kind words. I might try to learn November. It is such a beautiful piece. I think I could get right into it.

[Glenny Palmer]

Hey Zondrae,
I've just been travelling a lot love. As you can see it's way past my bedtime, but Charlee had a number of books out. I'll try to round them up for you tomorrow (er...today).

Don't worry about Crookwell Zondrae. The other day I walked up to my front door (of my home) & pressed the car auto unlock expecting the door to fly open...???
Cheeers
Glenny

[Neville Briggs]

And did the TV change channels, Glenny

[Glenny Palmer]

I dunno, you cheeky blighter. Ain't got time for much TV these days. But thank you for commenting or I woulda clean forgot about finding Charlee's books for Zondrae!
Hope you're going goodo Neville.

Cheeers
Glenny

[Neville Briggs]

Good to hear from you Glenny. We're hanging' in there, thanks.


I was looking for my glasses recently, until I realised that my ability to see where I was looking was greatly enhanced by the fact that I was wearing my glasses.. I kid you not.

[Bob Pacey]

Bit rough but this one is for Nev

GLASSES


Oh flaming hell, I've lost me glasses
and I've searched everywhere I've been.
I've turned the whole place upside down
but they're nowhere to be seen.

I know I cooked some breakfast
then I sat and watched T.V.
but I've already checked the kitchen
where can the damm things be?

I read a book out in the lounge room
but I don't need them to read.
Then I went and fed the chickens
but I've checked where I keep the feed.

Its like someone must have hid them
but I'm at home on me own,
and I've checked up in the bathroom
and on the cupboard by the phone.

Gees now I'm running really late
there's places I have to be,
and its hard to find the damm things
when you need them just to see.

I can't drive the car without them
cause its like looking out through snow.
Oh where did I put the bloody things
I really have to go.

Oh its ok; now I've found them
and its a fact we always dread.
Now I feel so bloody stupid
cause they're stuck up on me head.

BOB PACEY