tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-282370502024-03-08T07:26:29.688+11:00Verse StartCasting a line or two in hope of a poem.Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-41346822597101605012021-12-29T10:33:00.008+11:002021-12-29T21:21:04.283+11:00A Symmetry of Houses<p></p><p><i><span>Two of my ancestors built houses hundreds of years ago and they are still full of life and treasure.. </span></i></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkl4wXCauc2UNTALkNSnOqBSVwxlDoNwry3PuimT81464MRlEcZRDeLv0Nubp60cnEKV25h9KXIUSDeO0igv_D12ZBeKVHUMFGlxYxFQPk3BTxc49ZIVaDzdUy03P0FtvZkk5Kg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="474" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkl4wXCauc2UNTALkNSnOqBSVwxlDoNwry3PuimT81464MRlEcZRDeLv0Nubp60cnEKV25h9KXIUSDeO0igv_D12ZBeKVHUMFGlxYxFQPk3BTxc49ZIVaDzdUy03P0FtvZkk5Kg/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p></blockquote>John built a house in the heart of old England<p></p><p>back when Sir Francis Drake</p><p>was plundering for Spanish gold.</p><p> Later John had a grandson Thomas</p><p>who filled that house with three million pounds of treasures</p><p>in today's money</p><p>hauled back to England,</p><p>souvenirs of sunny Italy -</p><p>large paintings that hang there still:</p><p> by Salvator Rosa, Giacinto Brandi, Filippo Lauri</p><p>and more.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpn30O5P8GLq9jTjfZNjO6TKRM-l7HlTok6TmZ-PMGAFPTOKZ4Db4mgWyGNk4a6sAZniq2SoB-d7ruAv04nRIzfxtwex0382slCxtDfEbFmI5Ck5JSrCCnhtJyWhsJSmy5xzPang/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpn30O5P8GLq9jTjfZNjO6TKRM-l7HlTok6TmZ-PMGAFPTOKZ4Db4mgWyGNk4a6sAZniq2SoB-d7ruAv04nRIzfxtwex0382slCxtDfEbFmI5Ck5JSrCCnhtJyWhsJSmy5xzPang/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>In the century afterwards another John</p><p>built a markedly more modest house</p><p>in the heart of New England</p><p>a decade after the Mayflower Pilgrims battled for life</p><p>in the winter of their arrival. </p><p>This John had grandsons too</p><p>who returned his precious Communion set</p><p>cups and plates in low luster pewter</p><p>along with the Bible he rescued</p><p>from falling embers on the trans Atlantic voyage -</p><p>a Puritan treasure that now lies open in a glass case,</p><p>open to pages John so carefully patched.</p><p><br /></p><p>More centuries pass</p><p>and both houses stand still</p><p>guarding similar hoards -</p><p>each a library</p><p>with shelf upon shelf of precious books.</p><p><br /></p><p><i>Lamport Hall in Northamptonshire, UK and the Sturgis Library in Barnstable, Massassachucetts, USA - both house celebrated book collections. Ancestors: John Isham of Lamport 1525-1595 and John Lothropp of Barnstable 1584 -1653</i></p>Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-15157735528532530782020-12-15T12:33:00.007+11:002020-12-17T09:38:12.148+11:00Let there be Table<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhUCjn1-qeJFdoVTpBbvbIJq3L1DeQKmWcGf_6Gf0-HXk-H25rr1Kmg1GS_MER8xmgZFmJ94UXL_XoKug81JhTszMkJ7KXfKrjia-0gGGIJpHxlHvQVaW-TpkI-3WduhrLatfCA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1529" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhUCjn1-qeJFdoVTpBbvbIJq3L1DeQKmWcGf_6Gf0-HXk-H25rr1Kmg1GS_MER8xmgZFmJ94UXL_XoKug81JhTszMkJ7KXfKrjia-0gGGIJpHxlHvQVaW-TpkI-3WduhrLatfCA/" width="179" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br />The table top's solid seeming</p><p style="text-align: left;">surface is dense timber,</p><p>but I gather now it's</p><p>riddled top to legs </p><p>with tiny spinning particles</p><p>suspended in a large space -</p><p>these whirling bits </p><p>nested each in each</p><p>smaller and smaller </p><p>like Russian dolls until they</p><p>vanish in one quantum</p><p>disappearing act</p><p>leaving only code -</p><p>glittering code that radiates</p><p>the Logos spoken in long ribbons</p><p>sustaining</p><p>like sticks for spinning plates </p><p>the tiny whirling particles </p><p>in the circus act of God's</p><p>boundless exuberance</p><p>tabled - just beneath the surface</p><p>and discretely out of sight.</p><div><br /></div>Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-82589379621127869742020-11-20T16:00:00.016+11:002020-12-18T17:44:11.734+11:00The Reverend John Lothropp Restores Jerusalem<p><br /></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-22nxj0SmZKrohWDUKHCP9cl5sEssT2Bma-5didnV4zvLDd_htysPNrJ53ZCOJSD5Pw0GxsTB-zTZ5YsPjrAZqRqEMZ6kUFfDc33N6xdW2rrpA09zOp8Kj_9t323JmMUM-B9HVA/s2048/Lothrop%2527s+Bible+page.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRPsn9SgMYJ2Gh1g3n2omIgDCRYDoOUrnD47RP9MZYdwmw9HVsDBdXQ8S0XRCxOEQr4ZAUhQrZWrWB0GDYXS5_thqxFxQ0K_dCs_7vq-1RT7-TixXR4lqtpZR9RYMok8Qhw6QiA/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1556" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRPsn9SgMYJ2Gh1g3n2omIgDCRYDoOUrnD47RP9MZYdwmw9HVsDBdXQ8S0XRCxOEQr4ZAUhQrZWrWB0GDYXS5_thqxFxQ0K_dCs_7vq-1RT7-TixXR4lqtpZR9RYMok8Qhw6QiA/" width="182" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNsxvvzJ6Ee5aos41qpNKlQzq_nIEhJnHjR_UTlB_4vwrHCnPsvRD3N5MmFddcbGWcPPc3F_9V7ywdsNJoKJVrpi8RbevCTHxvfr0EDPQpcNvaPLJ6s-vawC1DCbOCeasIA_NXA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNsxvvzJ6Ee5aos41qpNKlQzq_nIEhJnHjR_UTlB_4vwrHCnPsvRD3N5MmFddcbGWcPPc3F_9V7ywdsNJoKJVrpi8RbevCTHxvfr0EDPQpcNvaPLJ6s-vawC1DCbOCeasIA_NXA/" width="240" /></a></p><p></p><p><b>The Reverend John Lothropp Restores Jerusalem</b></p><p>An ember from the flickering lamp</p><p>falls on John Lothropp's Bible </p><p>open to the Acts of the Apostles</p><p>obliterating </p><p>the journey of James to Jerusalem </p><p>abolishing half the city there --</p><p>in fact burning away most of verse thirteen </p><p>chapter thirteen </p><p>in the annotated 1605 English Bible</p><p>which the Reverend John afterward restored</p><p>applying a neatly trimmed</p><p>precisely pasted oval of precious paper</p><p>garnered from who knows where</p><p>and with his quill dipped in dark ink</p><p>to imitate the tufted printer's font </p><p>along with the f-like 's' in Jerusalem </p><p>on the mid Atlantic 1635 voyage of the Griffin</p><p>among the shifting boxes and barrels </p><p>below deck, the dark</p><p>illuminated by a sputtering lantern that </p><p>swayed overhead as the sea swelled</p><p>source of the impish ember</p><p>that fell to burn away </p><p>the journey of James to Jerusalem </p><p>and Paul to Pamphylia -- sat there reading </p><p>at that moment of fiery destruction -</p><p>the Reverend John mindfully </p><p>having set sail one and a half millennia </p><p>in the wake of James bound for Jerusalem</p><p>and like Paul abroad on </p><p>somewhat similar sail driven ships</p><p>came John Lothropp, to minister the Word</p><p>in a distant land.</p><p><br /></p><p>Did John, inking the missing five letters, see</p><p>a parable of Jerusalem restored </p><p>a burning bush moment emanating the very voice of God?</p><p>Perhaps by Puritan persuasion he anticipated </p><p>a New England Jerusalem like </p><p>Governor Winthop's City on a Hill?</p><p>Or rather by hint of his own ink</p><p>was he pointed beyond immediate prospects</p><p>to the City of Light whose river flowed </p><p>sweet among the healing trees</p><p>in the wake of the Day of the Lord?</p><p>The glorious city saluted </p><p>in the final pages of his </p><p>1605 English Bible.</p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-80713300416446705842019-07-12T11:16:00.001+10:002019-07-12T11:16:22.806+10:00Sheep to Keep<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyMcU3HdEtF1VZW_kya4NXMX-uyborE440jTF2dyNSOM0RPJz71U7mqvu_C3DIwrL7z6nMjGkbzG6wPsChxU9NeegdBbQbRwmmhlHNEkeW-L0OnkHwwVdTHGaDn83oJXt-HfX/s1600/IMG_20190524_110625570_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyMcU3HdEtF1VZW_kya4NXMX-uyborE440jTF2dyNSOM0RPJz71U7mqvu_C3DIwrL7z6nMjGkbzG6wPsChxU9NeegdBbQbRwmmhlHNEkeW-L0OnkHwwVdTHGaDn83oJXt-HfX/s200/IMG_20190524_110625570_HDR.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
We've had about two dozen sheep<br />
mostly three or four at a time<br />
over the last four decades.<br />
<br />
All of them had names.<br />
<br />
As of today there is only Smudge<br />
because this morning<br />
I filled in the hole<br />
where we rested Smudge's mother<br />
old Salty.<br />
<br />
These four footed parables<br />
have recalled the prophets<br />
a<i>s a sheep before her shearers is dumb</i><br />
<br />
<i>white as wool </i><br />
at least when newly fleeced<br />
<br />
and maybe once or twice<br />
one of our sheep was<br />
<i> led as a lamb to the slaughter.</i><br />
<br />
They've made us consider<br />
our human selves<br />
dumb in that other sense too<br />
strong willed<br />
yet so easily led<br />
fleet of foot<br />
tough, rugged<br />
all weather creatures<br />
yet so readily preyed upon.<br />
<br />
Some won our hearts<br />
especially one little black lamb.<br />
Marion wept when she was<br />
savaged beyond repair<br />
by the neighbor's dog.<br />
<br />
But strong too --<br />
<i>Rabbit</i>, on account of her long ears<br />
once reared up<br />
and planted her hooves on my shoulders --<br />
pushed me to the ground.<br />
<br />
Individuals<br />
with quirks<br />
and particular appetites.<br />
Smudge likes banana skins.<br />
<br />
The annual clip<br />
never brought more than a couple of dollars<br />
but there's payment in other ways<br />
<br />
like with little children's faces<br />
peering though the fence<br />
timidly reaching to touch the creatures<br />
eating the oats they've emptied on the ground<br />
<br />
like sheep as parables<br />
underscoring<br />
my thank-you list and<br />
showing up my shortcomings.<br />
<br />Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-1705454328435852592019-07-05T10:50:00.002+10:002019-07-05T10:59:10.681+10:00Gone as a Child<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJRRgHsWnz8rBwJsVLB-hH4di9a_mA02LK2fPSior-tLnmjj4YLCcPwuEE6m-j1HxywMgto9XNEJe51UB16FWrGpxlmpQkPIGWssttajQOYDpbploIH8ljSYXCH9m9IANT-Gk/s1600/IMG_20190107_112142459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: none; text-align: justify; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJRRgHsWnz8rBwJsVLB-hH4di9a_mA02LK2fPSior-tLnmjj4YLCcPwuEE6m-j1HxywMgto9XNEJe51UB16FWrGpxlmpQkPIGWssttajQOYDpbploIH8ljSYXCH9m9IANT-Gk/s320/IMG_20190107_112142459.jpg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Edward W Jenks </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">peers </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">through the viewfinder of</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">his 1906 Brownie box camera.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">When the camera clicks</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">he catches my great grandmother</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Florence as she smiles</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">in her voluminous Gibson Girl dress.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Sitting kerbside she points</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">to direct the attention</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">of two small children.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Edward on the right</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">is my father,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">nearly three.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Next to him is</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">little sister Marsha,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">almost two.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">In the following year Marsha is taken to heaven.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">(Had I been born a girl I would have been Marsha's namesake.)</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Later on comes toddler Paul</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">who also left this life behind</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">at two years old</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">and later still another baby boy</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">gone before he could be given</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">a name of his own.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Of my father's seven siblings</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">three died as little children.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Back when families bearing a small box</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">toward a newly dug grave</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">was not such an uncommon sight</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">how then was all the sorrow borne?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">This year my own grandson</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">was taken just days before his seventh birthday --</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">the day that ended all his pain.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">It followed four and a half years trekking</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">every newly minted trail of</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">promising medical procedures</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">leaving punishing grief tattooed forever</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">behind the eyes of my son and daughter-in-law.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">What if childhood death is actually harder now?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Harder with expectations honed</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">by many fewer children's graves?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Harder because hospitals abound</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">with life sustaining artifice</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">dangling hope upon hope?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Could it actually be harder now?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">And how perverse is that?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">But who could ever measure the 'hard'?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">I can barely even imagine my grandparents</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">and their children</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">in the days when they wept their good-byes.</span>Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-10090114168400557212019-03-11T16:12:00.000+11:002019-03-11T20:06:51.883+11:00The Ice Cream Lovers<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU9LicxiLsfk5brz0RiQt_j1vuamMfEUZ3QP_oWnBKnTr6TcUfZhkvO97f3RwIu-XYaT2PfbBXSWUwxtaa_ozUQyyL4wJICIlXp6Lf-mJXLbis9hDo1HMtV8XkdD-ZoxQ9hMjvA/s1600/The+Ice+Cream+Lovers.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU9LicxiLsfk5brz0RiQt_j1vuamMfEUZ3QP_oWnBKnTr6TcUfZhkvO97f3RwIu-XYaT2PfbBXSWUwxtaa_ozUQyyL4wJICIlXp6Lf-mJXLbis9hDo1HMtV8XkdD-ZoxQ9hMjvA/s320/The+Ice+Cream+Lovers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a young couple called Spratt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">concerned over getting too fat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">However ice cream</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">was the stuff of their dreams</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and so they forgot about that.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-75136809712214331212019-03-11T15:58:00.000+11:002019-04-07T11:01:01.070+10:00Tasmania Street<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCu29bZl6N2QJ5_YTsRSm3-KVdtrFhI3Dl9BHjsBGnr5QIdrNGH71274FJ8Yh8cYtDfzNDtduB88Q7-5w02q8D4GBNc_cwL4rsxcas0hIl4fbrSNjDPE94ezR6L5LZZ91UDMsBw/s1600/IMG_20190311_153822997+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCu29bZl6N2QJ5_YTsRSm3-KVdtrFhI3Dl9BHjsBGnr5QIdrNGH71274FJ8Yh8cYtDfzNDtduB88Q7-5w02q8D4GBNc_cwL4rsxcas0hIl4fbrSNjDPE94ezR6L5LZZ91UDMsBw/s320/IMG_20190311_153822997+%25281%2529.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ice cream lovers </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">licking their treats </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">great uncle Lou </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and the things he repeats.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Katz the magician</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and Pippi the thief</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesse the joker </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and chalk artist Pete.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Who are some others</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you're likely to meet </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">round the next bend</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">in Tasmania Street?</span></div>
</div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-80740254220628566602019-03-11T15:26:00.003+11:002019-03-27T17:39:08.593+11:00The Foodies<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEhhobx22gQGuYdeZwpGWIKedMKKeDQ3hTdSLqN1dVQTDKMqvQBX_7FR21FZ8i4b6pnjvl7KNkko_xnjPWaav-jPst0PiNGEb1p6u8HcONE3hcXf25Qob3qaFS6T5JsEe0ohIFw/s1600/The+Foodies.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEhhobx22gQGuYdeZwpGWIKedMKKeDQ3hTdSLqN1dVQTDKMqvQBX_7FR21FZ8i4b6pnjvl7KNkko_xnjPWaav-jPst0PiNGEb1p6u8HcONE3hcXf25Qob3qaFS6T5JsEe0ohIFw/s320/The+Foodies.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The pastry chef and maitre d'</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">cannot decide what it should be.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A sweet souffle and apple tart</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">or layered cake served a la carte?</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-26293008147194176932019-03-11T15:21:00.002+11:002019-03-27T16:13:34.052+11:00The Entrepreneur<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosCM2TmPvw75VqKh8dopn2A6KUymk3MxMaQgQn2v7877BNw-bxgxuMd668lNLpue5WUvi9UXFMubPSZdoo0K98NbQMUUT4RLIzCmcPaaByzwc6eEQ8f_25sN7wVr0-229e4yDXg/s1600/the+entrepreneur.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosCM2TmPvw75VqKh8dopn2A6KUymk3MxMaQgQn2v7877BNw-bxgxuMd668lNLpue5WUvi9UXFMubPSZdoo0K98NbQMUUT4RLIzCmcPaaByzwc6eEQ8f_25sN7wVr0-229e4yDXg/s320/the+entrepreneur.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fifty cents will buy a wink</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">a blink will cost a dollar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">but paying any price I think</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">is kinda hard to swallah.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-41882029592655645772019-03-11T15:17:00.001+11:002019-03-27T17:41:09.105+11:00The Wind-Up Toy<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaEAJm3RVjhJPZoaq9VavWXXBjn4Tk8K3vYAWoQanltco5OFIVYHoiPfkNNi9k85SRoexWG2-K3ddEcvRZjcUe-xh0v5QRcjMoXPL-YN1iUQR6707PDapPiFUPSgaJFbscVITMA/s1600/The+Wind-Up+Toy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaEAJm3RVjhJPZoaq9VavWXXBjn4Tk8K3vYAWoQanltco5OFIVYHoiPfkNNi9k85SRoexWG2-K3ddEcvRZjcUe-xh0v5QRcjMoXPL-YN1iUQR6707PDapPiFUPSgaJFbscVITMA/s320/The+Wind-Up+Toy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sheila Shenanigan all unwound</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">doesn't move or make a sound.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But when you tighten up her springs</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sheila walks about and sings.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-25783981749465193932019-03-11T15:11:00.000+11:002019-03-11T15:11:34.024+11:00The Magician<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAM4p0BprUvJOW93R16KpGv1C24emShN3byI8r36Zqiu-KIf4JM4CMwN_aYaHmaA8yPdsIErN1lRmeHnQm7MvLm_CnCX2XjvwjzsS1O-gfogZgkGVHpNCpK2O8g2fHWmoJhmldgQ/s1600/The+Magician.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAM4p0BprUvJOW93R16KpGv1C24emShN3byI8r36Zqiu-KIf4JM4CMwN_aYaHmaA8yPdsIErN1lRmeHnQm7MvLm_CnCX2XjvwjzsS1O-gfogZgkGVHpNCpK2O8g2fHWmoJhmldgQ/s320/The+Magician.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There was once a magician called Katz</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">who always pulled rabbits from hats.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But people got sick</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of too much of that trick.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And that was the end of that.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-20152752677486577532019-03-11T14:48:00.000+11:002019-03-11T14:48:06.140+11:00The Dreamer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-fhPxMASrLdcPC_L0_PSBvS_abbpSGjBJxls-WmVwpCNjHUXUpUeXaJgXEDS44dCSsr2zz4S1A6v0BF7W7gOgZJ_8ngboKYgMRT4cuYOL5rulodyW2ZRkAw-8ISJzOY-7LqM2g/s1600/IMG_20190311_143017876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1057" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-fhPxMASrLdcPC_L0_PSBvS_abbpSGjBJxls-WmVwpCNjHUXUpUeXaJgXEDS44dCSsr2zz4S1A6v0BF7W7gOgZJ_8ngboKYgMRT4cuYOL5rulodyW2ZRkAw-8ISJzOY-7LqM2g/s320/IMG_20190311_143017876.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If fishes had wishes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">then fishes might fly</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">flapping their fins</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">all over the sky.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-64165958394845122792019-03-11T14:45:00.000+11:002019-03-11T14:45:04.418+11:00The Pet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNiLs_DmQmSj7k98wm0umTocecIF5Vt5hyphenhyphen8IUq1p8pFnZ4HItztnYY03n0sktrw7J9NBDTKG1Isliq_3aaDBYdt-EzYgXWnPV7qyih0a1ytQ64fk2nc9yeDkyfr9N_gA8siOSBA/s1600/IMG_20190311_142705067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1082" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNiLs_DmQmSj7k98wm0umTocecIF5Vt5hyphenhyphen8IUq1p8pFnZ4HItztnYY03n0sktrw7J9NBDTKG1Isliq_3aaDBYdt-EzYgXWnPV7qyih0a1ytQ64fk2nc9yeDkyfr9N_gA8siOSBA/s320/IMG_20190311_142705067.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Roger the rooster</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">sits on my head.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That's how he says</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that he's ready for bed.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-54278030903196559512019-03-11T14:36:00.002+11:002019-03-27T17:45:37.243+11:00The Game Changer<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcHcwZ5iYRpCV1oD63lnUd_mhFGYYTLvHMBAgdcrcDsxAqyNpkcPMXa_MKsjZ23VeCymTuHN2cNiALyFiMA0nQlAck2CCogAA8BpxUkAswweRlpbzTj9hczG0wHVDtjW4eM8Jzg/s1600/IMG_20190311_142613485.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcHcwZ5iYRpCV1oD63lnUd_mhFGYYTLvHMBAgdcrcDsxAqyNpkcPMXa_MKsjZ23VeCymTuHN2cNiALyFiMA0nQlAck2CCogAA8BpxUkAswweRlpbzTj9hczG0wHVDtjW4eM8Jzg/s320/IMG_20190311_142613485.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Baby brother smells so sweet --</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">except for something in his seat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When mum comes to change his nappy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">both of us will be more happy.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-55569879919038014592019-03-11T14:19:00.000+11:002019-03-27T17:47:06.933+11:00The Trickster<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8kmaMb51mvMiFuN8YPKTmVIb20LiPRZvYWDl1DJUeKL8xTFivyKvG0TfeMhUWDRzytM8x7EUMILPXlVagkB714e1LRBatI21lVfhAtUkmjgso-ZSj5Equ8kIGe5hWQMRKN2qMg/s1600/IMG_20190228_172013234_BURST000_COVER_TOP_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8kmaMb51mvMiFuN8YPKTmVIb20LiPRZvYWDl1DJUeKL8xTFivyKvG0TfeMhUWDRzytM8x7EUMILPXlVagkB714e1LRBatI21lVfhAtUkmjgso-ZSj5Equ8kIGe5hWQMRKN2qMg/s320/IMG_20190228_172013234_BURST000_COVER_TOP_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Izzy loves to give surprises --</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">tells her brother <i>close your eyes</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">as she then swaps his yummy treat</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with something else for him to eat.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-21577827794873627802019-03-11T14:05:00.000+11:002019-04-07T13:05:04.395+10:00The Chalk Artist<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5okuZYKIbBYyDVR42LjDNgbfdvX9sFE2doNkoMMC2A7oF6CGPw_15CjlHcF61cHs78WlB0NiRO2LBAftwCh9tgHBfxpMM80eQtEyhTUaX3KptkoSCb_QQNmndzl70DKXihKmbwg/s1600/IMG_20190311_132743344_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5okuZYKIbBYyDVR42LjDNgbfdvX9sFE2doNkoMMC2A7oF6CGPw_15CjlHcF61cHs78WlB0NiRO2LBAftwCh9tgHBfxpMM80eQtEyhTUaX3KptkoSCb_QQNmndzl70DKXihKmbwg/s320/IMG_20190311_132743344_2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a young lad of Ho-bart</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">completely caught up in his art. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Whatever he drew</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">his great uncle Lou</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">would say that it's<i> not a bad start</i>.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-69827739583562245822019-03-11T12:51:00.001+11:002019-03-27T17:50:27.588+11:00The Dressmaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbaLa9WrKoJp5RqzKIUJcA2JpXsQpJYo1O8M1OQ6ddPz3_pCagoUi0AuFEES1WYd7ZWnnSoRS1NDdUsEbYcLSpZO-Ug7RrdsCClhWS_PxXek5ADDPGukrmBzn052V0IPKXvlLLQ/s1600/IMG_20190207_142650564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1077" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbaLa9WrKoJp5RqzKIUJcA2JpXsQpJYo1O8M1OQ6ddPz3_pCagoUi0AuFEES1WYd7ZWnnSoRS1NDdUsEbYcLSpZO-Ug7RrdsCClhWS_PxXek5ADDPGukrmBzn052V0IPKXvlLLQ/s320/IMG_20190207_142650564.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mrs Agatha Origami</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">makes a dress for daughter Marmi.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">She tightly folds the paper pieces:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">All the seams are made of creases.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mrs Agatha Origami</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">folds a dress for daughter Marmi.</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-33214501300783269762019-03-11T12:46:00.001+11:002019-03-27T16:36:23.614+11:00The Nut Lover<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6ZrFBqGOICfjOYSs1m1uSWuXNOQwLnfH-8U57ZEDj0gL-92EhPcgokYUmJHkjGO7kY5Wa7L4b4JRcfOS0k1G8J9WOP_l2PaF2y9HKc96PZWHsG4KG_TFwbPYmcH8nyvUG59cAQ/s1600/IMG_20190228_172051476_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6ZrFBqGOICfjOYSs1m1uSWuXNOQwLnfH-8U57ZEDj0gL-92EhPcgokYUmJHkjGO7kY5Wa7L4b4JRcfOS0k1G8J9WOP_l2PaF2y9HKc96PZWHsG4KG_TFwbPYmcH8nyvUG59cAQ/s320/IMG_20190228_172051476_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Walnut shells are</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">rather</span><span style="font-size: large;"> hard</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">so Susan drops them in the yard</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">where Tommy tries his very best</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to stomp until she is impressed.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-67214611324497845572019-02-13T10:19:00.003+11:002019-02-13T10:19:40.831+11:00The Collector<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mqFJYa4lEUnr1UJzVDzuMFvuh1yqRrxvPKtXfcjAy1Hiv7RUcSlcfmUYJ6SV3-oxy4KZXIS9C4wTz7wIjCkSpLw8MIbR2_ycToqMUrwuUUsS6WTsOLD2eSpvv8vLCm0zKvQlNQ/s1600/IMG_20190213_095520001.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mqFJYa4lEUnr1UJzVDzuMFvuh1yqRrxvPKtXfcjAy1Hiv7RUcSlcfmUYJ6SV3-oxy4KZXIS9C4wTz7wIjCkSpLw8MIbR2_ycToqMUrwuUUsS6WTsOLD2eSpvv8vLCm0zKvQlNQ/s320/IMG_20190213_095520001.jpg" width="214" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mia, Mia, what have you there?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A nest?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A kitten?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A hank of hair?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Please don't leave that anywhere.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-70253738063271490702019-02-13T10:14:00.000+11:002019-03-27T17:54:16.290+11:00The Traveller<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDk9SHvKweknL4wowJ3wX_9flZXJwYS4GSL_CK81l4zM5qCGJjjp5rAtL2QTSPXiuEvp_43uLKsb7uuuhA4YHXOYiMVGbbvSTJp5zWaOnmxpuPZc-U6FfrQp2Gzcy0ZC66wOaB1w/s1600/IMG_20190213_095750896.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDk9SHvKweknL4wowJ3wX_9flZXJwYS4GSL_CK81l4zM5qCGJjjp5rAtL2QTSPXiuEvp_43uLKsb7uuuhA4YHXOYiMVGbbvSTJp5zWaOnmxpuPZc-U6FfrQp2Gzcy0ZC66wOaB1w/s320/IMG_20190213_095750896.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mandy Murphy has to wait</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">for a bus that's running late.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If she misses flights on Sunday</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">she will still be here on Monday.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-15031299099251338042019-02-12T18:21:00.000+11:002019-04-07T10:46:15.437+10:00The Coin Counter<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4LPdtAAcsrW3hm8ASZhtZIc3kNzOvLgi8vLinnDF15IUbleU4B5P1ooiXZ_muusldSNfIrEOt5sb0kLAk35dwaeGrI3VbiIwXNz0wjrRp0a0zgGkj626K2xcSYahXtuRU4bpow/s1600/IMG_20190212_175439627.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4LPdtAAcsrW3hm8ASZhtZIc3kNzOvLgi8vLinnDF15IUbleU4B5P1ooiXZ_muusldSNfIrEOt5sb0kLAk35dwaeGrI3VbiIwXNz0wjrRp0a0zgGkj626K2xcSYahXtuRU4bpow/s320/IMG_20190212_175439627.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cassidy carefully counts her money</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">saving up for somewhere sunny.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When her purse is finally full</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">she'll fly off to Warrnambool.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-47752226334902205322019-02-12T10:38:00.000+11:002019-03-27T17:58:46.475+11:00The Spider Lady<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybKkiYhLUyARQgV_38WR0h6GMXaHutto9c3qn9NZPQJnaR3AD0Q9Z9zunkIKQpiNm2g_lc2llVfmp1ycs7pw9z8MiqNj3YUQH1mjfSNumI88XGqkytYXoRDYCInX7JAkvhqu-2Q/s1600/IMG_20190212_102408528.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybKkiYhLUyARQgV_38WR0h6GMXaHutto9c3qn9NZPQJnaR3AD0Q9Z9zunkIKQpiNm2g_lc2llVfmp1ycs7pw9z8MiqNj3YUQH1mjfSNumI88XGqkytYXoRDYCInX7JAkvhqu-2Q/s320/IMG_20190212_102408528.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There is an odd lady called Ida</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">who thinks of herself as a spider.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Wherever she goes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">she fluffs up her clothes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to scare those who sit down beside her.</span></div>
<br />Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-6613809043420747152019-02-12T10:32:00.003+11:002019-03-27T17:59:51.058+11:00The Ogre<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNJ7tcGc2Vt654YGalQzYFrJWXSPeef7LtGaiReRF0WZMm6NOAXOFGuF9vtJ_JaqCIsS0z7OPYRssn6d5Oa0M8QEY3hIhZyicjwj7bzOLfVB9hrE3FBe3wGWhd1MSuPZgOf8aiw/s1600/IMG_20190212_102216689.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNJ7tcGc2Vt654YGalQzYFrJWXSPeef7LtGaiReRF0WZMm6NOAXOFGuF9vtJ_JaqCIsS0z7OPYRssn6d5Oa0M8QEY3hIhZyicjwj7bzOLfVB9hrE3FBe3wGWhd1MSuPZgOf8aiw/s320/IMG_20190212_102216689.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A giant's catch</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">mixed in a batch</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to bake in a cake --</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Quick! Escape!</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-76000396083176633822019-02-12T07:39:00.003+11:002019-03-27T18:00:43.023+11:00The Artist<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb7i0As2xNcFbAiwo8_ewydYgtpXFuBpCC7Y0qKC9POxVnzagYAG99NehfGhmfaD_vb-WAqwWVJWFEwfUmVnDCHXmKUUMgAB_O3L02PoosSjRFagH5abD-ZX2LBzCBl1Xl-0zwA/s1600/IMG_20190212_072903186+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb7i0As2xNcFbAiwo8_ewydYgtpXFuBpCC7Y0qKC9POxVnzagYAG99NehfGhmfaD_vb-WAqwWVJWFEwfUmVnDCHXmKUUMgAB_O3L02PoosSjRFagH5abD-ZX2LBzCBl1Xl-0zwA/s320/IMG_20190212_072903186+%25281%2529.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Maisie made a picture.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">She drew it in the air.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Oh my goodness Maisie</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I couldn't see it there!</i></span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28237050.post-59534817861038358512019-02-12T07:36:00.004+11:002019-03-27T16:48:41.496+11:00The Rider<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFlBkqf1-dWd0rLXYpPjtQ9XtBaemwWpbfVY-zdO038HZ3vjnMr6KL3yCH_8j6ZECRBFLorpf0TmBk3E4-retgGWAr0Mg_2hFQAwHqhce59Z34TyOerZWmQmsIe5I9a8grOtneQ/s1600/IMG_20190212_072200465.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFlBkqf1-dWd0rLXYpPjtQ9XtBaemwWpbfVY-zdO038HZ3vjnMr6KL3yCH_8j6ZECRBFLorpf0TmBk3E4-retgGWAr0Mg_2hFQAwHqhce59Z34TyOerZWmQmsIe5I9a8grOtneQ/s320/IMG_20190212_072200465.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Daniel's donkey</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">somewhat shonky.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Makes his ridin'</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">kinda wonky.</span></div>
Steve Ishamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11496438591610659902noreply@blogger.com0