Dreams from my Father

Dreams from my Father


Lunging through grey waters to Kangaroo Island
Southern Ocean’s jewel, last stop Antarctica
I think of time and place and separation’s pull
And journeys made in tears and hope


My father an ambitious Scot set forth one day
With never a backward glance nor grief for family
Dreaming, I suppose, of making his life anew
But stopped abruptly, meeting love


Another now turned sixty settled long ago
To raise a family where eucalyptus reigns
Beneath the Southern Cross at night, his world upturned
But yearns for England’s soft rainfall


Tread softly now for baby Isaac sleeps and dreams
His doting parents present joy and future hope
From the Solomon Islands, England, Adelaide
Forbears travelling, meet in him


6th April 2009, Ferry to Kangaroo Island