Memories of the Ekka

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Shelley Hansen
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Location: Maryborough, Queensland
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Memories of the Ekka

Post by Shelley Hansen » Sun Aug 13, 2017 6:11 pm

Triggered by Maureen's Writing Workshop prompts for this week, here is a poem I wrote a few years back. It was originally titled "Memories of a Country Show", but so that one of our performance poets could use it during the Brisbane Exhibition's bush poetry sessions, I altered it to become "Memories of the Ekka".

MEMORIES OF THE EKKA
(c) Shelley Hansen

I’m walking through the Ekka gate –
another year, another date,
when suddenly the atmosphere
assaults my nose, my eye, my ear –
and all at once I bend my gaze
to scenes of happy childhood days …

The scent of baking fills the air,
with expert hands Mum sets my hair.
Dad’s axe is honed and polished bright,
the Carousel rolls in tonight!
The signs are there … one thing’s for sure …
the Exhibition’s on once more!

The sugar cane is thick and sweet,
the bird shed beats with “cluck” and “tweet”,
the lowing cattle wait, arrayed
to take their place in Grand Parade,
while in a proud assembled line
the motor cars and tractors shine.

I’ve practised with my copybook
my neatest writing – and it took
so long to write this page of mine
without a blot on any line.
I’m very proud it’s been displayed
with other schoolwork from my grade.

I’ll try a Sideshow Alley ride
if I am game (last year I cried).
But now I’m brave, and oh, so tall …
I wish that I could ride them all!
I hope the Ferris Wheel will stop
when I am at the very top!

Mum’s fruit cake is the “Best in Show”!
How thrilled we are! Of course we know
she bakes the nicest cakes by far …
now it’s official – she’s a Star!
And there will be a blue rosette
for Gran’s embroidery … I bet!

The Laughing Clowns – mouths open wide –
turn painted heads from side to side.
The Showman in a loud voice cries
“Roll up! Roll up to win a prize …
a doll – a monkey on a stick!”
(I can’t decide which one to pick!)

Equestrian brings out the best
of horse and rider – quite a test
of skill and practice it will be.
The woodchop’s on! We rush to see
my Dad get beaten … that’s not fair!
But he’s my hero … I don’t care!

The best of produce on display
defies the drought in its own way.
We taste the honey on the comb
and buy a jar to eat at home.
My show bag is a novelty
with toys and lollies … all for me!

Red toffee apples, sticky-sweet,
and fairy floss – a magic treat
that makes my lips and tongue turn pink
then vanishes in just a blink –
as fireworks light up the sky
announcing time to say “Goodbye” …


Across the miles, across the years,
the seasons brought their joys and tears –
but Ekka was a chance to share
the hopes and dreams of others, where
the people came from far and near
and mateship was cemented here.

Now, as my little daydream ends
I hear “G’day!” I greet some friends.
This hi-tech world can’t override
our good old-fashioned sense of pride.
The Ekka hasn’t lost its gloss …
I’m off to find some fairy floss!
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com

"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

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Maureen K Clifford
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Re: Memories of the Ekka

Post by Maureen K Clifford » Mon Aug 14, 2017 1:29 pm

Love it - all the fun of the fair and then some :lol:
Check out The Scribbly Bark Poets blog site here -
http://scribblybarkpoetry.blogspot.com.au/


I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.

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alongtimegone
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Location: Brisbane

Re: Memories of the Ekka

Post by alongtimegone » Sun Aug 20, 2017 2:48 pm

That's so good Shelley. I had my 77th birthday last Monday and I reckon it's about 40 of them since I last stood in a ekka queue but I can relate to every stanza of your poem.
Wazza

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Shelley Hansen
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Location: Maryborough, Queensland
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Re: Memories of the Ekka

Post by Shelley Hansen » Sun Aug 20, 2017 5:56 pm

Thank you so much, Wazza - that's a great compliment and I really appreciate it. :D

Cheers
Shelley
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com

"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

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