Homework June 'When You Were by My side'

[Terry]

My wife Valma has been slowly recovering after 6 months of severe illness,
I’m attempting to keep the campfire burning until hopefully she can come home again.

This poem was written about the ten years that Valma prospected full time with me, without doubt the most enjoyable time of my prospecting life.
The poem also was my first open win in written a comp (The Dusty Swag) no one was more surprised than me when it won – By a coincidence I also entered a Yarn (something I rarely do, it was Call ‘Farewell To an Eagle’ and got a 2nd)


WHEN YOU WERE BY MY SIDE – For Valma

Remember when we started off along that dusty track,
just you and I so full of hope; we never once looked back.
Our home was just a draughty tent we moved from show to show,
while seeking golden nuggets all those many years ago.
And life was so exciting in this land so vast and wide,
the outback was a place of dreams, when you were by my side.

We bounced on over rugged tracks out where the eagles soar,
to try our luck in distant spots where few had been before.
And you were right there with me as we struggled on each day,
to find the precious metal that would make this venture pay.
Those isolated campsites were our refuge at day’s end,
among eroding hills where rough and beauty seemed to blend.

We’ve searched the likely gullies and along the winding creeks
and trekked across the endless flats and climbed the stony peaks.
I watched you as you toiled away with dust upon your face,
you always had a ready smile despite the solid pace.
We’d sit around the campfire with our steaming mugs of tea,
just soaking up the solitude so loved by you and me.

You loved the rugged beauty of this wild and pristine land,
and viewed the changing scenery, the hills and desert sand.
The grandeur of the break-a-way; a timeless work of art,
a place of stunning beauty that can melt the hardest heart.
Majestic groves of gimlet stands of mulga and of gum,
we lived the life of nomads that our lives had now become.

We passed the lonely homesteads hidden in the far outback,
and heard the creaking windmills as we crossed each station track.
And viewed the distant ranges shrouded in a purple haze,
that hid their many secrets from our keen enquiring gaze.
Then marveled at the sunsets as the light began to fade,
and felt that we were lucky in this choice that we had made.

We’d known some scorching summers with their days of searing heat,
while longing for some cooling shade to rest our aching feet.
And felt the chill of winter when the ground was white with frost,
and visions of Nirvana for awhile at least were lost.
Then saw the country flooded after days of drenching rain,
while camped up on the high ground well above the flooded plain.

Then watched the desert blooming after years of wretched drought,
with miles of vibrant flowers that soon paint the landscape out.
Next came the flocks of brilliant birds to feast upon the seed,
the budgies in their thousands join small finches here to breed.
Breath taking scenes of colour as the country lives again;
how quick the land recovers with a drop of precious rain.

Then came the time I had to say, “this is too hard for you”,
I’d seen your strength was fading; you had reached the end I knew.
From deep within your weary heart you knew that I was right,
yet still you were reluctant to give up without a fight.
And when that final day arrived, you bid a sad farewell,
to your beloved outback that had long since cast its spell.

I dream about those happy days; our spirits roaming free,
across the miles of wilderness while you were there with me.
And wish that I could turn back time and you’d here once more,
to brighten my existence like you always did before.
Our camps were rough and basic but you tended them with pride,
and life was at its very best, with you there by my side.

*****


© T.E. Piggott

[Ron]

G'day Terry,
That is a beautiful poem, obviously written from the heart, full of feeling, and contains so many of your trademark descriptive lines!
It is not hard to see why it was a competition winner, well done!
I hope Valma continues to improve and be back sharing that campfire with you in the very near future mate.
Cheers
Ron.

[Maureen K Clifford]

So sorry to hear your better half has been unwell Terry - your poem is a testament to the good times you spent together doing what you loved. Your love of country shines throughout the poem and I enjoyed reading it very much. Thank you for sharing it.

Sending hugs and best wishes to Valma and the sincere hope that she will soon be back home and feeling a lot better. Maybe you can still do some outback trips together with more comfortable accommodation choices perhaps. There are some beaut bus trips on the web for those of us who are now past the roughing it stage.

[Terry]

Thanks Ron and Maureen

Yes, it has been a really difficult time for both of us, particularly for Val of course,
but if I was capable of looking after her properly, she could come home.
But Val still needs a lot of care, and to be honest, I'm just not up to it.

Thanks for the good wishes, they're much appreciated.

Terry

[Shelley Hansen]

Beaitiful poem, Terry.

So sorry to hear of Val's illness. It is a hard time for both of you.

Rod and I hope she continues to improve and you can be reunited.

Best Wishes
Shelley

[Terry]

Thanks Shelly

[Catherine Lee]

Echoing everything that's already been said here, Terry. Wow, this is a beautiful poem that goes straight to the heart of any reader, coming straight from yours as it does and incorporating this poignancy with your signature impressive imagery. It comes as no surprise at all that it won a prize - it is truly a worthy winner....Thinking of you and Val especially at this extremely challenging time xoxo

[Terry]

Thanks Catherine

A very special time for both Val and I,
We often talk about those days,
and have the fondest memories of our time together out there.

About ten years I reckon.

Terry