Dave

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Terry
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Dave

Post by Terry » Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:57 pm

We in the West lost a great poet mate in Dave Smith who passed away just before Christmas – I wrote this poem in memory of Dave – Farewell old Mate


DAVE

I met him first some years ago while at a poet’s show
and sensed a kindred spirit then – a bloke I’d like to know.
We had a lot in common; having lived outback before
and Dave like me no doubt would dream, of heading back once more.

Although we’d never met out there, a bond now seemed to grow,
for red dust still flowed through our veins, from all those years ago.
So then began a friendship that continued to this day;
we bush blokes tend to gravitate – I guess it’s fair to say.

His family came first with Dave, you saw that from the start,
his children, and their children too, were kept close to his heart.
Wife Elaine was his greatest love as everybody knew,
she thought the world of Dave as well, and we all loved him too.

His other love was poetry and spinning yarns as well.
you’d see that twinkle in his eye - he loved it, you could tell
I see him still with 'mike' in hand to entertain the crew,
then watch him weave his magic there, as only Dave could do.

For poetry became a passion filling now a void
and through it came new friendships, and a lifestyle he enjoyed.
With Elaine always by his side they made an ideal team,
performing everywhere they went while living now their dream.

Dave had his share of setbacks, that could take some time to mend
and sometimes had to struggle, but he’d beat it in the end.
He wasn’t one to whinge at all - just got on with his life,
he’d rather spend time with his mates, or better still his wife.

For he was keen to keep on going, right up to the end,
just doing what he loved, and knowing, each of us a friend.
Well “Cobber,” he confided once, it all comes down to fate,
Dave always called me Cobber – I was proud to call him mate.

--------------------
Terry Piggott

Neville Briggs
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Re: Dave

Post by Neville Briggs » Tue Mar 12, 2019 7:26 am

Losing a good friend is a big loss, but good memories soften the blow a bit I guess, in a way.
Neville
" Prose is description, poetry is presence " Les Murray.

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Shelley Hansen
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Re: Dave

Post by Shelley Hansen » Tue Mar 12, 2019 11:30 am

Terry - what a beautiful and fitting tribute you have penned.

Sincere condolences on the loss of your mate Dave. May the memories of friendship carry on.

Regards
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")

Terry
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Re: Dave

Post by Terry » Tue Mar 12, 2019 11:11 pm

Thanks Neville & Shelley

Dave was a much loved member of the WA Bush Poets and was held in high esteem by all,
he was also a very talented man in many other fields as well.

Dave and I had a lot in common having spent a fair bit of time in some of the remoter areas of WA.
He always related to a poem of mine 'Out On The Western Shore' and reminded me OFTEN that it was the Western 'SHAW';
I knew this of course, and only used the other spelling to avoid Half Rhymes in comps. Dave knew that country as well as I did.

Regards

Terry

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Shelley Hansen
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Re: Dave

Post by Shelley Hansen » Wed Mar 13, 2019 6:45 am

That was the first of your poems that crossed my path, Terry - and it is still one of my favourites.
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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Location: Ipswich - Paul Pisasale country and home of the Ipswich Poetry Feast
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Re: Dave

Post by Maureen K Clifford » Thu Mar 14, 2019 8:37 am

A heartfelt and fitting tribute to a good Mate Terry - hope you sent a copy of it to Elaine. I was saddened to hear of Dave's passing as well, but will always hold a lovely memory of Dave and Elaine in my home in my home here at Ipswich, and Dave reciting some of his poetry. My old Mum was there on that occasion and she thoroughly enjoyed it as well - sadly these days dementia has taken hold and she doesn't enjoy anything much anymore :cry:
but memories of time shared with friends is always precious and brings a smile long after they have left the room.
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.

Terry
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Re: Dave

Post by Terry » Thu Mar 14, 2019 1:34 pm

Hi Shelley and Maureen (thanks)

Elaine asked me if I would write something for Dave's funeral to be held down at Collie;
This is the poem I wrote, and also read at his funeral.
The poem was also placed on a special card that was handed out to everyone after the service.

Regards

Terry

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Catherine Lee
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Re: Dave

Post by Catherine Lee » Sat Mar 16, 2019 6:03 pm

Dear Terry, It’s been ages since I’ve been on the forum, but today I signed on and saw your beautiful tribute to your dear friend Dave. I am so very sorry to hear of your sad loss, which must leave a huge void in your life. Although I obviously did not know Dave, I am certain he would feel deeply touched by your lovely words and the thoughts and feelings behind them and just wanted to offer you my sincere sympathy, and to all those who knew him. Warmest wishes, Catherine

Terry
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Joined: Mon Nov 01, 2010 6:53 pm

Re: Dave

Post by Terry » Sun Mar 17, 2019 9:28 am

Thanks Catherine
I haven’t been very active myself of late either, this is the first thing I’ve posted for some time.

Dave was one of those rare people that pretty near everybody loved, and this was particularly noticeable among his fellow poet friends. But he was also well liked by all who knew him, he was also a devoted family man. I felt a close connection with Dave from the first time I met him, I guess both of us having spent many years in the remoter areas of WA felt mutual respect for each other, and to some extent spoke the same language so to speak. Though as mentioned Dave had many close friends.

By the way Congratulations on your recent Successes.

Regards

Terry

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Catherine Lee
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Re: Dave

Post by Catherine Lee » Mon Mar 18, 2019 4:02 pm

What a beautiful way to be remembered, as someone that pretty near everyone loved! He must have been a wonderful person, and you clearly had a special bond, Terry, with so much in common as you say.

Thank you so very much for your kind congratulations, which I appreciate very much.

Warm wishes
Catherine

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