Louis Joel Poetry Pod

The Scottish Play In our final episode for 2025, and a double episode into the bargain, we discuss the work of probably the most highly acknowledged poet in the Western tradition – William Shakespeare. Shakespeare wrote 37 plays, predominantly in iambic pentameter, as well many sonnets and other verse. His effect on literature, and culture in general is huge. We have elected to focus on his verse in one play, Macbeth, often regarded as ‘unlucky’ by performers but a source of great poetic riches, both concise in language and expansive in themes. We hope you will enjoy this episode, which is much longer than most of our pods but seems a necessary indulgence when dealing with ‘the bard.’ Verse discussed in this episode: Macbeth | Act 1, Scene 1 Macbeth | Act 1, Scene 3 (“Two truths are told” – “But what is not”. ) Macbeth | Act 1, Scene 5 (“The raven himself is hoarse” – to cry “Hold, Hold!”) Macbeth | Act 1, Scene 7 (“If it were done” – “And falls on th’ other –“) Macbeth | Act 1, Scene 7 (“What beast was then” – ‘Have done to this”) Macbeth | Act 5, Scene 1 (“Out, damned spot” – “To bed, to bed, to bed!”.)  Macbeth | Act 5, Scene 3 (“I have lived long enough” – “and dare not.”) Macbeth | Act 5, Scene 5 (“She should have died” – “Signifying nothing”.) William Shakespeare – Macbeth Act 5 Scene 8 (Final Scene) | Genius – (‘I will not yield” – “Hold enough”.) Announcements:  We wish everyone season’s greeting and will see you again in March 2026. The Louis Joel Summer Program is packed with great activities and can be accessed via this link - Louis Joel Arts & Community Credits:  Hosts: Peter Roberts, Colleen Murphy & Lesley Lamb   Original music composed by Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price.  Editor: Colleen Murphy

The Kindness of Water – Helen Jarvis  In our twelfth episode we discuss the work of one of our very talented local poets, Helen Jarvis, who has just released her first collection, The Kindness of Water, published by 5islands Press. Helen grew up in England and now lives in Melbourne/Naarm, where she teaches English. Her poetry has won many awards and has been published in journals and anthologies.  Poems discussed in this episode: Compositor My father was a hand compositor. He filled each frame with characters in heavy metal fonts, from left to right, with the nick upwards, gauging the gaps between the words, ens and ems of white space to fit the forme.   He loved the old serif fonts, born of prototypes hand chiseled with precision. He scorned their digital ghosts, that flex and shift to fit a screen, approximations that bear clean sharp lines, not the jag & blur of fresh ink.   When I write, I am bound by the metallic tang and heft of hand-forged galleys, framed by his eye for cool white space, the hot metal in my veins an unholy alloy of Thames clay and the silt of the Yarra. And whether you hear my voice clothed in the centuries of grace that is Garamond or in the jaunty flapper rhythms of Eric Gill, you’ll glimpse the imprint of my father’s hands— their dance within the margins— that lends form to the body of my words.   The poem ‘Washing my Mother’s Hair’ or ‘I Wash My Mother’s Hair’ is available on Island magazine’s website: https://islandmag.com/read/washing-my-mothers-hair-by-helen-jarvis   Restless   In my mother’s country, I trace the fleeting shades    of childhood. Throats gulp plosives, pitched too high;   I wonder how I’d sound if I had stayed.   Out on the estuary, sanderlings serenade the wind, skim the goose-tide that wanes and sighs in my mother’s country, tracing fleeting shades   through spiral casts of lug-worms, silt and clay. The streets flow polyester. Walking them, a spy, I wonder how I’d sound, if I had stayed.   The lovely buildings crack with rain, decayed; department stores now reek of vapes and fries.  In my mother’s country, I trace fleeting shades.   My mother’s mind runs restless as the waves. Mired in unyielding time, the days slip by. I wonder how we’d sound, if I should stay.   Down in the eel-grass, stints and dunlins wade. I wish her calm, between saltmarsh and sky.    In my mother’s country, I trace fleeting shades— a daughter—wonder how I’d sound if I could stay.   Piano Concerto No.2   An upstairs flat in Leeds—the broken bed, with Shostakovich playing, and the red   and cobalt glass that throws splashes of light across your chest. This feeling that we might   not ever move from here again. My arm at rest upon your hip, the piano calm,   andante, settling sweetly on that long and lovely movement, following the strong   triumphant wildness of the earlier score, awash with newness, and with something raw   and tender that I don’t yet understand. Your breath, the dusty ceiling rose, your hand,   its fingers curled in mine; so let me keep this record as the music dims, as sleep   drifts in—the crackling stylus, your soft face, and evening shadows slipping into place.   Announcements:  The Fortnightly Pier Poetry Group, facilitated by Peter, has changed its meeting time to Wednesday evenings from 7. 00pm to 8. 30pm at the Louis Joel Arts + Community Centre (5 Sargood St, Altona).  The next meeting will occur on 5 November. Come along if you love talking poetry. The Louis Joel Spring Program is now available by following this link - https://www.ljac.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FINAL-2025-LJAC-SPRING-Program-A4.pdf  A veritable feast of activities are available. We would like to hear from you!  If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected]. Constructive criticism and praise are welcomed. Currently we have a focus on a favourite poem you were taught at school or during your childhood.  -----  Credits:  Hosts: Peter Roberts & Colleen Murphy  Original music composed by Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price.  Editor: Colleen Murphy  

Simon Says In our eleventh episode we discuss the work of one of our very favourite poets, the extraordinary American singer/songwriter, Paul Simon.  From his enduring early work with Art Garfunkel to his stellar solo career, producing such iconic albums as Graceland and The Rhythm of the Saints, Simon has produced lyrics known for their narrative quality, blending autobiographical details with broad universal themes of love, loss, social commentary and the search for meaning. We examine three of his lyrics written at different points of his near 70 year career, and it feels very much like being in the presence of genius. Lyrics discussed in this episode: America - America - The Paul Simon Official Site Graceland - Paul Simon – Graceland Lyrics | Genius Lyrics Wristband - https://www.paulsimon.com/track/wristband/ Announcements:  The Fortnightly Pier Poetry Group, facilitated by Peter, has changed it’s meeting time to Wednesday evenings from 7. 00pm to 8. 30pm at the Louis Joel Arts + Community Centre (5 Sargood St, Altona). The next meeting will occur on 24 September. Come along if you love talking poetry. As mentioned on the pod we are currently working to redevelop the Louis Joel Food Pantry – a resource for members of our community who, for whatever reason, are having difficulty accessing nutritional meals for themselves and their families You can support the Food Pantry by donating food items directly to the Louis Joel Centre or by placing items in the purple bin, located at Coles in Pier Street. The Louis Joel Sprig Program is ow available by following this link - https://www.ljac.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FINAL-2025-LJAC-SPRING- Program-A4.pdf A veritable feast of activities are available. We would like to hear from you!  If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected]. Constructive criticism and praise are welcomed. Currently we have a focus on a favourite poem you were taught at school or during your childhood.  -----  Credits:  Hosts: Peter Roberts & Colleen Murphy  Original music composed by Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price.  Editor: Colleen Murphy

In our tenth episode we take a deep dive into the poetry of little known Australian poet, Lesbia Harford  (1891 – 1927).  John Kinsella, in the introduction to The Penguin Anthology of Australian Poetry, Kinsella J ed. Penguin, Melbourne,  2009 p 47 - 48  describes her as ‘the radical and unique Lesbia Harford, whose poetry of ambivalent sexuality, working class values and titled syntax would open the doors to modernism in so many ways.’ And he is right! We are very fortunate to be joined, in this episode, by the wonderful, and extremely knowledgeable Lesley Lamb, who has written a thesis on Harford’s contribution to literature, feminism and social justice. Poems discussed in this episode: Please note that while most of the links look identical they should take you to the nominated poem. Grotesque - Poetry Platform - the largest database of poetry, save it to read later! Skirt Machinist - Poetry Platform - the largest database of poetry, save it to read later! All Day Long - [All day long] Periodicity - Poetry Platform - the largest database of poetry, save it to read later! Deliverance Through Art  - Poetry Platform - the largest database of poetry, save it to read later! A Bronte Legend - Poetry Platform - the largest database of poetry, save it to read later! Announcements:  The Fortnightly Pier Poetry Group at Louis Joel Arts & Community, facilitated by Peter, is on at 11am on Fridays with the next meeting occurring on 8 August, 2025 . Come along if you love talking poetry. We would like to hear from you!  As part of our 'Hobsons Choice' segment, we would like to hear from you. If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected]. Constructive criticism and praise are welcomed. Currently we have a focus on a favourite poem you were taught at school or during your childhood

In our ninth episode we move away from European styles of poetry and examine a Japanese form – the tanka, a close relation to haiku. Rodney Williams, poet and editor of the journal Catchment – Poetry of Place returns as our guide to educate us about tanka and share some of his writing in that form. Hobson’s Choice also returns with a focus on poetry we were taught at school. Ann Pilkington and Anneliese Rosenmayer share their memories of poems they first encountered as students and still remember to this day! Poems discussed in this episode: Meg Merrilies | The Poetry Foundation Cargoes poem - John Masefield Tanka by Rodney Williams   past the pier a cormorant surfacing well away from where it dived – your message safely home A bird-loving man: haiku and tanka, by Rodney Williams (Ginninderra Press, Port Adelaide, Aust, 2013   fingerlings break the lake’s surface in eights and tens with threats from beneath bedsheets twisted at dawn  Fred the Rescue Cat: 70 tanka, by Rodney Williams (Ginninderra Press, Port Adelaide, Aust, 2023) shimmering on the desert track a mirage her smile radiant for the man behind me A bird-loving man: haiku and tanka, by Rodney Williams (Ginninderra Press, Port Adelaide, Aust, 2013 on harvest potato bags stand full by red furrows. . . in fields far to the west long rows of white crosses A bird-loving man: haiku and tanka, by Rodney Williams (Ginninderra Press, Port Adelaide, Aust, 2013 hothouse butterflies – she smiles at a wink of blue wings Fred the Rescue Cat: 70 tanka, by Rodney Williams (Ginninderra Press, Port Adelaide, Aust, 2023) Announcements:  The Fortnightly Pier Poetry Group at Louis Joel Arts & Community, facilitated by Peter, is on at 11am on Fridays with the next meeting occurring on 27 June, 2025 . Come along if you love talking poetry. Email [email protected] to register your interest.  Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre will soon be offering their wonderful Winter 2025 program. There are so many great things on offer – for details go to Louis Joel Arts & Community We would like to hear from you!  As part of our 'Hobsons Choice' segment, we would like to hear from you. If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected]. Constructive criticism and praise are welcomed. Currently we have a focus on a favourite poem you were taught at school or during your childhood, but anything that strikes you is great.  Get in touch! -----  Credits:  Hosts: Peter Roberts & Colleen Murphy  Original music composed by Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price.  Editor: Colleen Murphy  

In our eighth episode, and our first of 2025,  we take a deep dive into the poetry of acclaimed American poet, Mary Oliver (1935 – 2019) .  Her work is inspired by long walks in nature but she takes a novel approach driven by an unquenchable curiosity and a refusal to bow to negativity or adverse circumstances.  We also enjoy a fun quiz on the 10 greatest poets of all time.  Who do you think should make this auspicious list? There is no Hobson’s Choice segment in this episode but we are collecting responses from the community regarding a favourite poem that they were taught at school and these will be aired in the future.  Poems discussed in this episode: The Journey poem - Mary Oliver Starlings in Winter poem - Mary Oliver When Death Comes poem - Mary Oliver   Announcements:  The Fortnightly Pier Poetry Group at Louis Joel Arts & Community, facilitated by Peter, is on at 11am on Fridays with the next meeting occurring on 16 May, 2025 . Come along if you love talking poetry.   Email [email protected] to register your interest.  Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre are currently offering their wonderful Autumn 2025 program. There are so many great things on offer – for details go to Louis Joel Arts & Community We would like to hear from you!  As part of our 'Hobsons Choice' segment, we would like to hear from you. If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected]. Constructive criticism and praise are welcomed. Currently we have a focus on a favourite poem you were taught at school or during your childhood.  -----  Credits:  Hosts: Peter Roberts, David Tredinnick & Colleen Murphy  Original music composed by Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price.  Podcast Coordinator: Colleen Murphy Editor: Colleen Murphy

The Louis Joel Poetry Pod aims to be a forum for discussion about poetry, what people like and what they don’t and why. A strong emphasis is placed upon making poetry accessible and fun with a diverse range of writers, forms, media etc. Each podcast will have interviews with poets, with people who convene poetry appreciation groups, with editors or producers of poetry magazines and perhaps most importantly with members of the community outlining some of their favourite poems or song lyrics, and why etc.  The latter is a segment we are calling Hobson’s Choice as it reflects our little beachside community in Altona in the Hobson Bay area just to the west of Melbourne, Australia’s CBD. In our seventh episode we return to where we began, with Dave and Col interviewing Peter and taking a deep dive into three poems. Whilst this tends to be a serious adventure there is a place for humour – perhaps a different way of looking at some pertinent topics around diversity and a close examination of the part a certain piece of furniture plays in all our lives. This episode, unlike the last, is free of venereal disease. Following this we are fortunate enough to be able to interview noted West Gippsland poet, Rodney Williams. He also provides three important poems of his as well as some genuinely educative insights into certain forms of poetry – most notably the triolet and the villanelle. Rodney and Peter have been great friends for decades and during that time have spent countless hours reading and discussing poetry, frequently with a glass of red in hand and a roaring fire. Hobson’s Choice returns with an interview with Eloise Wilson who reads a poem from one of our favourites! We would like to hear from you!  As part of our Hobsons Choice segment, we would like to hear from you, even while we are on a break!  If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected]. Constructive criticism and praise are most welcomed!   Poems discussed in this episode: West by Peter Roberts https://inreview.com.au/inreview/books-and-poetry/2024/09/04/poem-west/ The Spectrum Strikes Back by Peter Roberts https://beatnikcowboy.com/2023/08/10/peter-roberts/ Bed by Peter Roberts ...the near approach a bed may show of human bliss to human woe. Samuel Johnson 1/. It is said that those who hate to go to bed fear death and those who hate to get up fear life. Still, he didn’t move in the laser sun of the morning. Her words had stung him. ‘Don’t you get sick of saying thank you! Try doing something for yourself!’ He had wanted to be a moving target instead of a sitting duck. The bed wrapped its tentacles around him – like a refuge or a gaol. 2/. This was the moment she adored as the opiates kicked in. She was blind-sided by the diagnosis, shattered by the prognosis. The large window afforded her a view of the world in all its hues – moving slower, but vivid in a way she never imagined. She was fortunate it seemed . Managed pain, comfy bed. Her children were conceived here in joy. She wanted to do it all again! 3/. It just felt so disparate, so wonderful. To be sure he had fantasised for many years about this evening, but convinced that it would never occur. They had met sometime prior, but when the invitation came he was shocked, elated, and full of trepidation in one moment. After they departed he snuggled under the covers, a letter placed in an envelope, finally sent. Case Moth by Rodney Williams In a brotherless boyhood I felt enthralled each time I found the covering to a case moth holding on tight to some fence or shed adhered and suspended as a caterpillar set to poke a gleaming black helmet – head out of its cocoon only sometimes if I were lucky glimpsing that fat grub its moth seldom seen as well sporting white wings spotted dark this larva at times demeaned when labelled as a bagworm its casing camouflaged with twigs that it could grow itself from this expanding sheath brown as any shrub-bark with so much of its lifespan spent in such a state its best days coming before it matured hiding itself while prominently disguised as a youngster perhaps like me I’d wonder... From Muir Woods to Walhalla https://www.mascarareview.com/rodney-williams/   Beneath stage lights by Rodney Williams I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be’ - T.S. Eliot, ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’ It’s not my place to invent soliloquy Outside lines in a script, I don’t improvise Beneath stage lights I’m given a me to be In no cutting-edge shows, far more repertory With bit-parts in classics again dramatised It’s not my role to present soliloquy At best an understudy there’s no envy Despite hoping when young for signs in the skies Under spotlights it’s now cameos for me An old hand in the corps of this company With its proscenium arch I don’t surmise It’s not my part to vent in soliloquy The dressing-room mirror hears my own story Before make-up & costumes provide disguise Through follow-spots I’m given a me to be With no statuette from an academy Still to tread these boards is my career’s gold prize Beyond my scope float dreams of soliloquy Beneath stage lights I’ve still got a me to be   Credits:  Hosts: Peter Roberts, David Tredinnick  Colleen Murphy  Original music composed by Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price.  Hobsons Choice Guest: Eloise Wilson Podcast Coordinator: Colleen Murphy Editor: David Tredinnick Announcements:  The Fortnightly Pier Poetry Group at Louis Joel Arts & Community, facilitated by Peter, is on at 11am on Fridays with the next meeting occurring on 29 November .Come along if you love talking poetry.   Email [email protected] to register your interest.  Full Spring program of the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre Programs & Events can be found here:  https://www.ljac.com.au/louis-joel-gallery/whats-on/ This will be the final Louis Joel Poetry Podcast for 2024 as we take a break in December and January 2025.  We look forward to hearing from you over the break! This Podcast has been supported by:  Louis Joel Arts and Community  5 Sargood Street, Altona  [email protected]    

The Louis Joel Poetry Pod aims to be a forum for discussion about poetry, what people like and what they don’t and why. A strong emphasis is placed upon making poetry accessible and fun with a diverse range of writers, forms, media etc. Each podcast will have interviews with poets, with people who convene poetry appreciation groups, with editors or producers of poetry magazines and perhaps most importantly with members of the community outlining some of their favourite poems or song lyrics, and why etc.  The latter is a segment we are calling Hobson’s Choice as it reflects our little beachside community in Altona in the Hobson Bay area just to the west of Melbourne, Australia’s CBD.  -----  In our sixth episode we look at Children’s Poetry. This proves to be a fascinating journey with some wonderful rhymes and rhythms, but it also takes us to some dark places that we didn’t fully anticipate. On our way we hear a wonderful recording of a very young David Tredinnick tackling A A Milne, an unlikely connection to the Doobie Brothers and even, a slightly unwelcome, brush with Syphilis. ‘So were going on a Bear hunt, it’s going to be big one, be we’re not scared…. or at least Colleen and Peter aren’t, Dave conversely…. Hobson’s Choice returns with an interview with young brother Miles and Albert who read some of their favourite children’s poems Poems and Lyrics discussed in this episode: Otto The Loyal Long Dog Book by Lizzie Walkley Jack and Jill - Wikipedia Little Boy Blue by Eugene Field Disobedience by A. A. Milne The Owl and the Pussy-Cat by Edward Lear Wynken, Blynken and Nod by The Doobie Brothers Sunday Morning Coming Down lyrics by Kris Kristofferson Magic by Miles Kendall Thompson You may not believe in magic you may believe fairies aren't real but if Santa didn't exist then presents wouldn't have a deal! If the easter bunny was a myth the world wouldn't have chocolate eggs! you wouldn't run outside with excitement in your legs! If the tooth fairy wasn’t so real you wouldn’t want to lose your teeth you wouldn’t want adult ones hiding underneath So, let's say together "I believe in them now!" magic happens to those who trust and you don't need to know how! We would like to hear from you!  As part of our 'Hobsons Choice' segment, we would like to hear from you!  If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected]. Constructive criticism and praise are welcomed.  -----  Credits:  Hosts: Peter Roberts, David Tredinnick & Colleen Murphy  Original music composed by local Altona residents, Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price.  'Hobsons Choice' Guest: Albert and Miles Podcast Coordinator: Zoe Jones  Editor: David Tredinnick ----- Announcements:  We were saddened this week to hear of the passing of the great Kris Kristofferson, who we regard as one of the great lyrical poets of country, or indeed, any music. We pay a bit of a homage to him by reading the lyrics of his fabulous song, Sunday Morning Coming Down. Certainly not Children’s Poetry but magnificent, nonetheless. The Fortnightly Pier Poetry Group at Louis Joel Arts & Community, facilitated by Peter, is on at 11am on Fridays with the next meeting occurring on 18 October. Come along if you love talking poetry.   Email [email protected] to register your interest.  Full Spring program of the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre Programs & Events can be found here: 2024 Spring Program This will be the second last Louis Joel Poetry Podcast for 2024 as we take a break in December and January 2025. We will return in 2025, and the pod will then be available on Spotify and Apple. ------------------------------  This Podcast has been supported by:  Louis Joel Arts and Community  5 Sargood Street, Altona  [email protected] 

The Louis Joel Poetry Pod aims to be a forum for discussion about poetry, what people like and what they don’t and why. A strong emphasis is placed upon making poetry accessible and fun with a diverse range of writers, forms, media etc. Each podcast will have interviews with poets, with people who convene poetry appreciation groups, with editors or producers of poetry magazines and perhaps most importantly with members of the community outlining some of their favourite poems or song lyrics, and why etc.  The latter is a segment we are calling Hobson’s Choice as it reflects our little beachside community in Altona in the Hobson Bay area just to the west of Melbourne, Australia’s CBD.  -- In our fifth episode we talk with the fascinating Zerafina Zara about her multifaceted artistic career as poet, songwriter, musician, dancer, vocal coach etc. with a particular focus on recent poetry she has written. Zerafina’s work demonstrates an observational dimension punctuated with emotion and humour. Not to be missed. We also explore the work of the famous Scottish poet, Carol Ann Duffy. Duffy is much loved for her versability, humour and capacity to write from the perspective of historical characters, both famous and otherwise. She was the first women, the first Scot and the first openly same sex attracted person to become Poet Laureate of the UK! Hobson’s Choice returns with an interview with Ciara who talks about Taylor Swift’s lyrics. Who said we are not contemporary! Poems and Lyrics discussed in this episode: Phone Rage by Zerafina Zara Migraine by Zerafina Zara Anger by Zerafina Zara Waiting for the Rain by Zerafina Zara Warming Her Pearls by Carol Ann Duffy Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy We Remember Your Childhood Well by Carol Ann Duffy Last Post by Carol Ann Duffy The Lakes lyrics by Taylor Swift Shake It Off by Taylor Swift We would like to hear from you!  As part of our 'Hobsons Choice' segment, we would like to hear from you!  If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected]. Constructive criticism and praise are welcomed.  Credits:  Hosts: Peter Roberts, David Tredinnick & Colleen Murphy  Original music composed by local Altona residents, Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price.  Podcast Guest: Zerafina Zara 'Hobsons Choice' Guest: Ciara Duffy-Quinn Podcast Coordinator: Zoe Jones  Announcements:  The fortnightly Pier Poetry Group at Louis Joel Arts & Community, facilitated by Peter, is on at 11am on Fridays with the next meeting occurring on 20 September. Come along if you love talking poetry.  Email [email protected] to register your interest.  Full Spring Program of the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre Programs & Events can be found here Our guest from episode 4, Louise Karch, has a book First Aid for Fairies – From Rain to Rainbows which is currently available at Just for the Health of It at 73 Anderson Street, Yarraville and Louis Joel Arts & Community. We have a limited number of free copies which we will provide to people who send a brief piece of poetry or prose on the subject of wellbeing to [email protected]. ------------------------------  This Podcast has been supported by:  Louis Joel Arts and Community  5 Sargood Street, Altona  [email protected] 

The Louis Joel Poetry Pod aims to be a forum for discussion about poetry, what people like and what they don’t and why. A strong emphasis is placed upon making poetry accessible and fun with a diverse range of writers, forms, media etc. Each podcast will have interviews with poets, with people who convene poetry appreciation groups, with editors or producers of poetry magazines and perhaps most importantly with members of the community outlining some of their favourite poems or song lyrics, and why etc.  The latter is a segment we are calling Hobsons' Choice as it reflects our little beachside community in Altona in the Hobsons Bay area just to the west of Melbourne, Australia’s CBD.  -----  In our fourth episode we talk with the fascinating Louise Karch about her current book, First Aid for Fairies – From Rain to Rainbows. This is a fabulous publication for young people about strategies for resilience written largely in iambic pentameter! Louise Karch, M. Ed is an uplifting speaker and award-winning author of Word Glue and co –author of The Carbon Almanac. She has spoken from the Arctic to Auckland advising professionals, educators and emerging leaders on a wide range of issues relating to wellbeing and leadership.   We also discuss the concept of applied poetry and how verse can help us to understand people, their circumstances and much more. Are we using the right terminology? Perhaps or perhaps not but poetry has a great capacity to help us learn, understand and respect all manner of life experience. That’s why we love it!   Hobsons’ Choice returns with an interview with Piper Bushby who talks about the poem Warning by Jenny Joseph.   Poems and Lyrics discussed in this episode: ⁠In Plain Sight Book by Shaun Austin⁠ ⁠Not Waving but Drowning by Stevie Smith⁠ ⁠Morning Song by Sylvia Plath⁠ ⁠Warning by Jenny Joseph⁠   We would like to hear from you!  As part of our Hobsons' Choice segment, we would like to hear from you!  If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected]. Constructive criticism and praise are welcomed.    Credits:  Hosts: Peter Roberts, David Tredinnick & Colleen Murphy  Original music composed by local Altona residents, Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price.  Podcast Guest: Louise Karch Hobsons' Choice Guest: Piper Bushby Podcast Coordinator: Zoe Jones    Announcements:  The Fortnightly Pier Poetry Group at Louis Joel Arts & Community, facilitated by Peter, is on at 11am on Fridays with the next meeting occurring on 23 August. Come along if you love talking poetry. Email [email protected] to register your interest.  Full winter program of the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre Programs & Events can be found here: ⁠⁠Winter Program 2024⁠⁠  Louise Karch’s book First Aid for Fairies – From Rain to Rainbows is currently available at Just for the Health of It at ⁠73 Anderson Street, Yarraville, Melbourne VIC 3013⁠ and the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre. Global preorders are coming soon.   This Podcast has been supported by:  Louis Joel Arts and Community  5 Sargood Street, Altona  [email protected] 

The Louis Joel Poetry Pod aims to be a forum for discussion about poetry, what people like and what they don’t and why. A strong emphasis is placed upon making poetry accessible and fun with a diverse range of writers, forms, media etc. Each podcast will have interviews with poets, with people who convene poetry appreciation groups, with editors or producers of poetry magazines and perhaps most importantly with members of the community outlining some of their favourite poems or song lyrics, and why etc. The latter is a segment we are calling Hobson’s Choice as it reflects our little beachside community in Altona in the Hobson Bay area just to the west of Melbourne, Australia’s CBD. ----- In our third episode we take the opportunity to take a deep dive into the poetry of William Carlos Williams and it is not all smooth sailing, with a variety of opinions about the three poems considered as well as the value of stone fruit in general.   We also have an interview with one of our great local poets, Nicole Hawke and discuss not just her work and the process she employs but also her experience of the value of writer’s groups. Hobson’s Choice returns interviews with a couple of community members who talk about poems and song lyrics by Leonard Cohen and Terrica Strudwick ----- Poems and Lyrics discussed in this episode: The Red Wheelbarrow by William Carlos Williams This Is Just To Say by William Carlos Williams Danse Russe by William Carlos Williams 'Suzanne' Lyrics⁠ by Leonard Cohen The Ancient Land by Terrica Strudwick Poems by Nicole Hawke Sangria Roses with Cherry Wine © Nicole Hawke, Published Anthology 2023 Crimson rose petals scattered Across marble bench top Some flow onto the floor As the breeze blows through flywire Each rose critically picked Every thorn cautiously removed Then bound in ruby ribbon Hoped like hell you were inspired   Bold, obvious to arouse Lips dashed a sharp scarlet Burgundy négligée straps dangling down Prancing, romancing ‘round your fire.   Lead you deep, deep inside my love Burning blaze of kisses laid all over Candy-apple nails trace down your spine Never, ever will you stop or tire. I will lay you on that bed of roses Drip merlot down your middle Lay beside you, lick it, make you blush Promise, you are my only desire. Ladybug © Nicole Hawke, 6 January 2020 A ladybug landed on my hand As a photo was snapped on your mother’s land Overlooking Thirroul is where she rests Atop the clifftop at the end of the walk Where you and I journey but barely talk Encircling you now; rest on my breast. New Chapter © Nicole Hawke, Published Anthology 2019 So unfair New clothes Different hair. Forced to as A horrid past Messed up cyclone Falling apart. Stirring to newness With goodness and care Hope for a breakthrough Above rainbow glare. Not making sense As days go bye-byes But, give it time Clear away the lies. ----- We would like to hear from you! As part of our 'Hobsons Choice' segment, we would like to hear from you! If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected]. Constructive criticism and praise are welcomed ----- Credits Hosts: Peter Roberts, David Tredinnick & Colleen Murphy Original music composed by local Altona residents; Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price Guest: Nicole Hawke 'Hobsons Choice' Guests: Cara King and Jona Eselaye David Podcast Coordinator: Zoe Jones ----- Announcements The Fortnightly Poetry Group at Louis Joel Arts & Community, facilitated by Peter, is on at 11am on Fridays with the next meeting occurring on 26th July. Come along if you love talking poetry At 5 Sargood Street, Altona 3028 Email [email protected] to register your interest Full winter program of the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre Programs & Events can be found here: ⁠Winter Program 2024⁠ ------------------------------ This Podcast has been supported by Louis Joel Arts and Community 5 Sargood Street, Altona [email protected]

The Louis Joel Poetry Pod aims to be a forum for discussion about poetry, what people like and what they don’t and why. A strong emphasis is placed upon making poetry accessible and fun with a diverse range of writers, forms, media etc. Each podcast will have interviews with poets, with people who convene poetry appreciation groups, with editors or producers of poetry magazines and perhaps most importantly with members of the community outlining some of their favourite poems or song lyrics, and why etc. The latter is a segment we are calling Hobson’s Choice as it reflects our little beachside community in Altona in the Hobson Bay area just to the west of Melbourne, Australia’s CBD. ----- In our second episode (and they said it wouldn’t last) we get the opportunity to interview Ms Karen Ingram and find out all about the Louis Joel Arts + Community Centre, as well as Mr Joel himself. It’s quite a story! We also discuss the use of poetry in film (as flagged in the first episode) with reference to poems by Auden, A.E Housman, Dr Seuss and perhaps predictably, some powerful parts of Dead Poet’s Society. Hobson’s Choice includes interviews with a couple of community members who talk about poems and song lyrics by Wordsworth, Nick Cave and Kahil Gibran ----- Poems and Lyrics discussed in this episode: Higgs Boson Blues by Nick Cave On Joy and Sorrow – Kahil Gibran To An Athlete Dying Young by A.E.Housman Funeral Blues by W.H.Auden The Lorax by Dr Seuss I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud – William Wordsworth ----- We would like to hear from you! As part of our 'Hobsons Choice' segment, we would like to hear from you! If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected]. Constructive criticism and praise are welcomed. ----- Credits: Hosts: Peter Roberts, David Tredinnick & Colleen Murphy Original music composed by local Altona residents, Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price. 'Hobsons Choice' Guests: Karen Ingram (LJAC Centre Manager), Kate Heine, Andrew Gilpin Podcast Coordinator: Zoe Jones ----- Announcements: The Fortnightly Poetry Group at Louis Joel Arts & Community, facilitated by Peter, is on at 11am on the following Fridays: 28 June | 12 July | 26 July At 5 Sargood Street, Altona 3028 Email [email protected] to register your interest. Wildlife & Native Flora of Hobsons Bay Community Exhibition: On display in the art room at the community centre at 5 Sargood street, Altona. These works are open to the public: 12, 13 & 14 July 19, 20 & 21 July 26, 27 & 28 July Full winter program of the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre Programs & Events can be found here: Winter Program 2024 ------------------------------ This Podcast has been supported by: Louis Joel Arts and Community 5 Sargood Street, Altona [email protected]

The Louis Joel Poetry Pod aims to be a forum for discussion about poetry, what people like and what they don’t and why. A strong emphasis is placed upon making poetry accessible and fun with a diverse range of writers, forms, media etc. Each podcast will have interviews with poets, with people who convene poetry appreciation groups, with editors or producers of poetry magazines and perhaps most importantly with members of the community outlining some of their favourite poems or song lyrics, and why etc. The latter is a segment we are calling Hobson’s Choice as it reflects our little beachside community in Altona in the Hobson Bay area just to the west of Melbourne, Australia’s CBD. --- This first episode is introductory giving the listener a chance to meet the presenters, Peter Roberts (Poet-in-Residence at LJAC), David Tredinnick (actor, playwright, raconteur, audio buff, archivist) & Colleen Murphy (writer, diversity champion, another raconteur) and get a sense of how future episodes will be structured and what topics they will cover. Tune in next Full Moon on 22nd June for the release of our 2nd episode! ------------------------------ Poetry Discussed in this episode: Ample Make This Bed by Emily Dickenson Ample make this Bed — Make this Bed with Awe — In it wait till Judgment break Excellent and Fair. Be its Mattress straight — Be its Pillow round — Let no Sunrise' yellow noise Interrupt this Ground — Y Niwl by one of our hosts Peter Roberts © 2024 Y Niwl means the fog in Welsh Gaelic For the Celts, my stock, the fog made all unaware of time. Today the high country in Omeo is cloaked in cloud. Smokey greys and green. No sharp lines. No bird song. No way to see beyond this valley - my old mate’s home and hearth. He loved the air. He is scattered here over crags, creeks and gullies. Will it snow? Perhaps tonight. Perhaps tomorrow. Who would know or care? When mists persist we remain happily adjourned. Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves       Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves,       And the mome raths outgrabe. “Beware the Jabberwock, my son!       The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun       The frumious Bandersnatch!” ------------------------------ Credits: Hosts: Peter Roberts, David Tredinnick & Colleen Murphy Original music composed by local Altona residents, Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price. 'Hobsons Choice' Guest: Martin from Altona. ------------------------------ We would like to hear from you! As part of our 'Hobsons Choice' segment, we would like to hear from you! If you would like to be interviewed about a poem or if you just want to share your love of poetry, send us an email on [email protected] ------------------------------ Announcements The Fortnightly Poetry Group at Louis Joel Arts & Community, facilitated by Peter, is on at 11am on the following Fridays: 31st May | 14th June | 28th June At 5 Sargood Street, Altona 3028 Email [email protected] to register your interest. New Poetry Magazine! Catchment Poetry of Place, produced by Baw Baw Arts Alliance, West Gippsland Editor: Rod Williams Next edition comes out 21st June. More info: bawbawartsalliance.org.au ------------------------------ This Podcast has been supported by: Louis Joel Arts and Community 5 Sargood Street, Altona [email protected]