Nightmare
Suddenly I began to
Fall… fall….fall…..falling……
Spinning…..crazily tossed
Like a discarded autumn leaf
Before a gush of wind…..
I was falling deeper…..deeper…..into a
Dark, gloomy, desolate void –
Falling…..falling…..tumbling, twisting,
Plunging…..deeper…..deeper…..deeper…..
Helpless…..helpless…..
All rights reserved.
Copyright 2007 Trevor W. Hampel
This poem was first published in my high school magazine in 1966.
Pelicans snapping
And clacking a constant
Chorus of beaks.
All rights reserved. Copyright 2007 Trevor W. Hampel.
Australian Pelican
January 26th is celebrated throughout Australia as our National Day. It was on this day in 1788 that this new country was founded by the first European settlers to arrive here. I thought I’d share a few images of things that are quintessentially Australian as my way of celebrating Australia day, and sharing something of our country with others.
Western Grey Kangaroo
Australia is known for its wonderful wildlife. The kangaroo would have to be one of the most recognisable members of our fauna. The cuddly look of the Koala would also be recognised world wide.
Koala and Magpie
Australia is also known for its amazing array of plants and wildflowers. Probably the most easily recognised tree would be the eucalypt (or gum) tree. There are hundreds of different species; I will show only one here. This scene, taken in the mid north farming area of South Australia, is typical of many parts of our land.
Balaklava Plains near Blyth South Australia
Of our stunning array of wildflowers, the banksia is easily recognised by many Australians. These magnificent plants give an amazing display when in full flower. The birds go crazy feeding on the nectar and seeds they produce. Photographers, artists and gardeners go equally crazy over them
Banksia flower
Now we turn to the birds. With about 800 species Australia is a plentiful land for the bird lover. Our vast range of parrots and honeyeaters, blue wrens and emus, waterfowl, waders, bush birds and sea birds attract birders from the world over. I’ve just chosen several to feature here.
Mallee Ringneck Parrot
Australia has so many beautiful birds it is hard just to show only two. Many more are featured in my photo gallery here.
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
Sydney Opera House
The Washington Post’s Mensa Invitational once again asked readers to
take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or
changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are this year’s
winners. Read them carefully. Each is an artificial word with only one
letter altered to form a real word.1. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until
you realize it was your money to start with.2. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
3. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops
bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows
little sign of breaking down in the near future.4. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the
subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.5. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.
6. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the
person who doesn’t get it.7. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
8. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.
9. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
10. Karmageddon: It’s like, when everybody is sending off all these
really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it’s
like, a serious bummer.11. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day
consuming only things that are good for you.12. Glibido: All talk and no action.
13. Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when
they come at you rapidly.14. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after
you’ve accidentally walked through a spider web.15. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into
your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.16. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in
the fruit you’re eating.And the pick of the lot:
17. Ignoranus: A person who’s both stupid and an a__hole.
Thanks to Desire Hendrick’s for posting this on her blog A conservancy of one: exploring the craft of writing and life.
Postscript: A few days ago I wrote about the problem of bloggers merely copying the writing of others without bothering to add any value to the original. I’ve just broken my own rules by posting this list without comment.
I really couldn’t add anything to this list.
It’s completely brilliant.
One day I may come up with a few new “words” of my own.