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