It’s Poetry Friday where I join with fellow poetry lovers to celebrate all things poetry. This week, Carol has challenged Poetry Fridayers to find an end-of-summer photo and use it as the inspiration for a poem.
In my part of the world it is not the end of summer. In fact, it is Spring here, and the first hints of Summer are starting to show. But I love a challenge, so I looked back at the photos I took at the end of the Australian summer, in March. Additionally, since I am very much a Summer person, and feel a little sad when Summer ends, I thought it would be good to only look for moments of joy. Turns out, this wasn’t so hard.
Firstly, every year towards the end of Summer, swans visit the lake in my street. I’m told that they drop in because they are flying from somewhere South of here, to their breeding grounds North of here. Not all stop by – but, when they do, they are usually there for a while. I love watching them, and they always make for good photo opportunities. So, here’s my first effort at Carol’s challenge:
When friends drop by
it’s a good time
for a toast.
Bottoms up!
(Poem and photo copyright Sally Murphy, 2023)
Some other friends who visited me in March this year were some kookaburras. I often hear and see kookas around here, but I had never had them so obligingly sit on my (slightly scruffy looking) fence. It was a moment of awe, and of joy.
Summer may be over
but the laughter isn’t.
(Sally Murphy, 2023).
And then there’s George. If you follow me on Instagram you may be very familiar with George (who also has his own Instagram account). He doesn’t care less about what season it is, as long as he gets a walk, and his favourite walk is on the beach – though to be more accurate it’s a frolic rather than a walk. His more sedate owner does the walking. Here’s my third effort:
Summer might be over
but that’s okay.
the beach is still here
and so am I
reflecting
on life’s wonders
as I walk each day.
(Poem and photo copyright Sally Murphy, 2023).
All of this reflecting on the end of Summer has been good for me, but I have to confess I am still looking forward to the coming of the new Summer, and the chance to swim and snorkel and other Summertime pursuits. So I am cheating a little on this challenge and sharing a photo taken just this week. My leucospermum is flowering and, as each little pincushion starts to open, my smile grows. I love the way my pool fence intrudes into this photo, framing the flower, but also reminding me that soon the pool water will be warm enough for a dip.
Summer is coming!
Golden orbs
herald changing season
filling me with joy!
(poem and photo copyright Sally Murphy, 2023)
Thanks so much Carol for the challenge, which made me smile at memories, and moments to come. Speaking of which, I am off to look at the Poetry Friday roundup, to see what my fellow Poetry Fridayers have to offer on this lovely day. You are welcome to follow along.
Fun and funny!
Thanks Karen 🙂
Such a delightful post Sally, wish I could continue on into summer with you, but alas we are turning away into fall… Love your light sense of humor in these poems, the images-kookaburras and that gorgeous leucospermum–thanks for all these treasures!
Thank you Michelle.
Love that swan picture and poem! And love that you are anticipating summer. It’s my favorite season.
“Bottoms up!” What a great line to go with that photo, Sally!
Thanks Anastasia 🙂
Sally, there is such joy in your posts! Maybe it’s because your are anticipating summer and more of those delightful flowers. I love the photo of the kookas! I’ve never seen them, so thanks!
Thanks Janice. Glad my joy is reflecting in my posts 🙂
OMG – bottom’s up! and kookas?? When I toured Australia 40-ish years ago, that’s the only thing I really, really hoped to see – and we were rewarded on the last day of a 10week trip. How fun to have two show up on your fence. I hope they laughed!
PS – George looks to be one very happy beach dog.
🙂
So glad you got to see them Patricia. I am lucky enough to often hear them carolling close to my house. Never fails to make me smile.
Sally, your collection of summer poems delivers sunshine in the form of words. Summer’s coming, but I must admit, I really love springtime when the garden comes to life and the natural world ‘plumps’ up.
Thanks Alan. Yes we are having a lovely spring in my part of the world, and it is beautiful!
Sally, Happy Spring! you met and surpassed the challenge. My favorite is, “…time for a toast, bottoms up!” Very cute!
Thank you Tracey.
Sally, it is wonderful to see your lovely collection of Summer’s End image poems. Joy springs from your pincushion leucospermum photo and poem. Thanks for adding a fun image poem for the Destination: Summer’s End Padle. I decided to add George’s image poem because he is adorable and the poem has a lovely flow and point of view. Many thanks, Dally.
Thanks Carol – your posts are challenges are always a delight to partake in.
This entire post is a sheer delight!! Love all the photos and poems, such fun. What a treat to see kookaburras, too. Bottoms up to you!!
Bottoms up indeed. Thanks for dropping by Jama.
I have loved your snorkeling shares through the years, Sally, looking forward to them in your summer. And it’s great to see your own end-of-summer pics, love “bottoms up!” I love learning about “Leucospermum” – what a beauty! Happy Summer to you!
I forgot, love meeting George, too. I don’t believe I’ve seen him before. He certainly is delighted in the summer walk!
Thanks Linda. I shared him as a puppy, but may have been a bit remiss since then. He is just a year old, so still a pup really
Thank you Linda. I am very much looking forward to getting back into the water and sharing with you.
Love your summer menagerie photos and poems. From the swan’s demonstrating the proper technique of “bottoms up” to George’s infectious spirit, a delight. 🙂
Thank you Bridget. Lovely to have you drop in 🙂