The Hard Facts

The Hard Facts

the rumble

of cantering cattle . . .

a kelpie's zigzag

two cockatoos

respond to the stock-whip

crows squabble

over a carcass . . .

the bank's ultimatum

sunset . . .

a landscape stretches

in the red

the hard facts

of jam on damper

campfire . . .

twin moons shining

from a mopoke's eyes

Hazel Hall

First published in The Canberra Times Panorama April 11, 2015, p. 18.

An Australian Christmas Carol

An Australian Christmas Carol

used to it, he is –

dog before the man

I like your dog, they say

today the black lab wears a necklet

of silver tinsel and a bell

below inquiring eyes

I want to stroke the silken nose

but say instead

looks like your dog's

ready for Christmas –

he doesn't flinch

who's that, he says

he's tall, assured, a man of the land

I guess he's known its hardness

you don't know me, I blunder

well I do now ‒

I'm Ross and this is Harry

he puts out his right hand

I drop my shopping

take it, warm and confident

okay with the world;

shaking seasons greetings into mine

somebody yells

hi Ross

hi Harry

and he answers with a name

he won't forget we met . . .

then they're off

to buy a gift for his grandson

dog leading man,

disappearing in the crowd

of trash n' treasure vendors selling Christmas

he doesn't have to wonder

where he's going –

he's following his star

Hazel Hall

First published in Kelen, Kit and Page, Geoff (Eds.), 2014, The House Is Not Quiet And The World Is Not Calm. Page 44.

Updating: some of my published pieces 2014

this perfect

pink hyacinth spring . . . 

fragrant scent

of new-born infants

fills my mind with rain 

- in Kei, M. Bright Stars 3,  2014, p. 40.

luna moth

hovers too close

to the web

my young friend too often

writes about death 

- in Kei, M. Bright Stars 3, 2014, p. 40

a rainbow

straddling the river

waxes then wanes

you thought you were safe

 with a foot on each side 

- In The Tanka Journal of Japan 45, p. 20.

two mynahs

weave plastic pieces

in a nest --- 

that hint of discomfort 

you have in my presence

 - In Rice, David, Ribbons 10:2, 2014, p. 26.

reaching
into the river
a willow's limbs . . . 
your long distance call
after fifty years

  - In Babusci, Pamela,  Moonbathing 11, 2014, p. 8.

Call for Submissions Flood Fire and Famine

Call for Submissions:

Flood, Fire and Famine. Close: 29 August 2013.

The School of Music Poets invites all Australian poets and songwriters to submit unpublished poetry and/or song lyrics of no more than 30 lines on any or all of the three themes (flood, fire, famine) for its new anthology of Australian poetry and song. We are happily aware that Australia has not experienced a full scale famine and will accept innovative poems or song lyrics exploring conditions that might be conducive to short or long term food security. Responsive and ekphrastic pieces are welcome. If submitting song lyrics, please do not include chord symbols or music scores, as they will not be accepted. Entrants may submit up to two poems for consideration. Each poem should be on a separate page without personal details. Your full details should be included on a separate page. The following information is required:

1. name/s of the poem/s or song/s that you have submitted;

2. your details, including name, date, email address and telephone number;

3. a statement that your work is original and unpublished.

Te selection panel will include award winning Canberra poets P.S. Cottier (The Glass Violin 2008; The Cancellation of Clouds 2011; Selection Criteria for Death 2013. ), Suzanne Edgar (The Painted Lady 2006, 2007; Talking Late 2012; The Love Procession 2012) and Kathy Kituai (Straggling into Winter, 2007; In Two Minds, [with Amelia Fielden]; Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow [with Amelia Fielden] 2011).

Entries should be sent to hazelsshall@gmail.com. We accept no liability for loss of electronic mail. SOM Poets is unable to pay for successful submissions but each poet and song writer involved will receive a complementary copy of the anthology.

Sugar Loaf and Humming Birds
by John Collard and Hazel Hall

13 July
At last my book of poetry (with John Collard) based on our South American trips is being published.
Thanks to Kathy Kituai and Jill Suttun for reading the ms and Burmac Press for the layout.
Jill also wrote the Preface. The cover image of a humming bird is by Arlene Williams.



 


This is more than a travel book although it would be a lovely gift for anybody making a journey to South America.

Now I can complete The Memory of Sound. It's based on my music travels and experiences at the Schoolf Music ANU form 1993 -2012.. Watch out for it.




.