ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

This poem was inspired by the loss of Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney in Afghanistan. His son was born on the day he was buried.


Lest We Forget.

Reading that made the hair on my arm and neck stand on end - it is good Heather

Cheers

Maureen

Hi Heather...
Thanks for writing this. I couldn't trust myself to attempt it. The female viewpoint is much more appropriate I think, and you have handled the task beautifully.

Cheers, Will.

Thanks Maureen. It is such a sad story and I was very moved by it. I recited it to someone else today and it gave them goosebumps.

I came up with the first two stanzas at the time and wanted to write a longer poem but couldn't keep the odd metre in the second and fourth line going. I don't know why I do these things to myself! maybe one day I will be able to add to it. Eventually I gave up and wrote something else from it which I am really happy with (two hanky poem).

I also didn't want to write anything that might offend the family if they ever saw it. I don't know their point of view and would never want to presume.

Thanks Will, I have found that when I can get my head and heart into the "space" I write my best stuff. My output has decreased but I hope I am improving.

Heather

This is beautiful writing Heather, wouldn't it be good if the young'n in question could read this when he is about 18.

Thanks Dave. It would be good if he could read it one day. It's probably a bit raw for the family/friends at the moment though. I've written another on the same topic. I'll PM it to you.

Heather

G'day Heather,

I have been a bit pre-occupied of late and have only just read this one. Very nicely written. Not only the sentiment but also the tempo are most appropriate to the event. Have you thought of sending it to the family? Or perhaps have a poke around facebook and see if any family member (brother etc) is on there. You would be able to post it that way as their home address would not be public. ((I think). I had tears by the end. You're getting better and better. Don't forget to get an nentry in for the Blackened Billy closing soon.

Thanks Zondrae,

Maybe when the time is right the family might like to see it. Dave might know someone who might know someone that will know.

I really like the tempo of this one too. I think I would still like to add another stanza between 2 and 3.

Heather

Lovely Heather!

Trisha

Thank Heather it was a great read so sad but true

Bill the old Battler