*The grandfather paradox is a paradox of time travel first described by the science fiction writer René Barjavel in his 1943 book Le Voyager Imprudent ( Future Times Three).
Thursday 1 August 2013
Sister’s First Gift
Robyn Chaffey
Hazelbrook, NSW
‘Sing a song of sixpence
a pocket full of rye’
was the song she dearly loved
practised often till she knew
She was barely three years old
sweet and innocent as they are
full of wide eyed wonder
at the joy of all things new
‘Sing a song of sixpence’
she’d ask for me to sing
til she could sing along with me
one day the whole way through
She’d been told exciting stories
listened much to adult chatter
about the changes it would bring
She’d been watching as it grew
‘Sing a song of sixpence
a pocket full of rye’
with each anticipated visit
practice then would start anew
Words she used so very well
Great story teller of renown
Though wondrous things she wished to tell
she simply sat right down and drew
‘Sing a song of sixpence’
of kings and queens and maids
of honey and of money
birds that took your nose and flew
Excitement now was growing
just like mummy’s tummy
She’d heard some of us talking
saying mummy soon was due
‘Sing a song of sixpence
a pocket full of rye’
mummy went to hospital
There were tears, but few
The waiting was the hardest
though she had lots to do
to make the song just perfect
so none should give a clue
‘Sing a song of sixpence’
she tried so hard to sleep
then they said it had arrived
before the morning dew
She could barely eat her breakfast
was so anxious to be dressed
to see mummy and her baby
there’d be so much for them to do.
‘Sing a song of sixpence
a pocket full of rye’
straddle-legged and awe-struck
she held her brother new
Grown ups talked excitedly
relief and joys expressing
paid not too much attention
to her wonder bubbling through
‘Sing a song of sixpence’
sweet strains filled the air
We were jolted to attention
Such love in eyes of blue
‘Sing a song of sixpence
a pocket full of rye’
was to be the first fine gift
your big sister gave to you
‘Sing a song of sixpence’
has power to make me cry
only tears of purest pleasure
at how children’s hearts are true.
Thursday 1 August 2013 4 pm
Love
John Arvan
Underdale, SA
As years roll by
We struggle thru
But life ain’t bad
For me and you
*
The days give sun
The night moonlight
And still we love
No cause to fight
*
So off you go
Another year
A birthday gift?
My love.