Poems of Country Life
Country Life
Apart from my first six years of life, and another four when I landed my first job out of school and had to temporarily move to the city I have lived in the country or in small rural towns. Country life is much more relaxed then living in the city and time seems to move slower. The people are friendly and many get to know you by name. I hope these two poems go some way to describing that.
A Place Just a Little Way Down
The bush surrounds my little town, to the east and west that’s for sure.
To the north and south, to the river mouth, and all the way down to the shore.
From the birds in the trees to the rock wallabies and bush tucker food you can eat.
I love the outback, every rough beaten track, even during the hot summer heat.
And as I repose, cooling under a hose, at my house in the centre of town
I reminisce of a day ‘neath a blue gum a-sway in a place just a little way down.
Where the wattle trees bold with their bright sprays of gold attract the honey-eater and pigeon,
Or the ridge with the caves, where the dingoes oft’ laze on the property I called ‘The Haven.’
Somewhere Between Here and There
I’ve lived in small towns for most of my life,
The city just cannot compete.
The hustle and bustle just holds no appeal,
When relaxed and serene I’m at peace.
There is one small town that I visit each month,
It’s nestled amidst trees of green.
I sit in the park observing the birds,
So beautifully tranquil the scene.
Amenities are few, but people are too,
At least they provide basic needs.
Who needs traffic jams, and city nightlife,
Or fast food and take-out for feeds?
I can write if I want or catch up on a book,
Or just recline back for a snooze.
There’s never a rush or a deadline to make
So I really have nothing to lose.
My little dog Ginger just goes with the flow,
No protest or complaint does she make.
She goes for a run or soaks up some sun,
Our friendship is all give, no take.
Proston is the name of the town that I speak,
On most maps it may not appear.
It’s not on a highway or even a bi-way,
And is somewhere between here and there.
John Hansen © 2019
Now I find myself branching out and experimenting with short fiction, and thoroughly enjoying this, especially flash fiction.
I have been fortunate to have two poems made into songs and recorded. The first "On the Road to Kingdom Come" by Al Wordlaw, and the second, "If I Could Write a Love Poem" by award-winning Israeli/British singer Tally Koren.
My services increasingly in demand as a freelance writer and I have ghost-written the text for a number of children's books and educational tutorials.
It has taken me many years of searching and restlessness to realise that my life's passion is to write. It saddens me that I wasted so many years not devoting to that, but thinking positively, the experiences gained over those years are now wonderful material for my stories and poems.
I want to try to bring a new focus on poetry and try to make it appealing to a new generation of young people and those who thought they never liked or understood it before.
- The First Word – A Flash Fiction Story - January 18, 2024
- Dawns Song ~ and Twilight Serenade - December 1, 2023
- Weave Me a Story - June 15, 2023
John, I love these poems that bring out a peaceful and relaxing image. I am with you on city life, it just ain’t pleasant. I am a country girl at heart. Well done on these poems I so enjoyed.
Thank you or reading Phyillis. Glad you enjoyed.
Enjoyed the poetry and it made me want to go back to the Catskill Mountains of my childhood.
Thank you Rasma. Glad these brought back memories.
I love the poems, sir. I’m from Philippines, I’m now staying at the city because of work, I searched poems about country life because I really miss our province. Thank you for the great poems like this. It helps me soothes my heart.
John I have alway sought out rural life. There have been times when I lived in cities but only for a short while. Your poetry carries with the joy of living out in the “sticks.” Jamie
Yes, Jamie, some of us just can’t be happy living in the city. give me the “sticks” any day. Thanks for the kind comment.
I have always been happier when I lived out in the country. If I can pee off my back porch and neighbors are to far away to see me – well John that is heaven to me…lol Nice piece and very much enjoyed.
I can relate to that Kurt haha. Thank you for reading, glad you enjoyed.