GRUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE

I've had time and respect for Anthony Mundine. There's no doubt he's a dazzling athlete and a beacon of hope for disadvantaged indigenous Australians. However, his bad sportsmanship post his fight with Daniel Geale the night before last has left me disillusioned. How can you be 'The Man' and a role model when you carry on like a baby when you lose? He refused to acknowledge Geale at the end of the 12th round. What is that? He's now carrying on a treat, saying he's been 'robbed'. Give it a rest, Choc.

LJ, February 1 2013.

CAN YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING? IT IS THE SONG OF DIVIDED MEN.

I saw Les Miserables at Bowral's terrific Empire Cinema a few weeks back. After Anne Hathaway's big number at the beginning, a couple of old dears in the front row, who were weeping, burst into applause. An old fella behind me snored loudly. Hee hee. Sums Les Mis up really.

LJ, January 29th 2013.

2013

Here are a handful of things I'm looking forward to this year: London, Paris and my first trip to Scandinavia, Ryan Gosling in The Place Beyond the Pines, new albums by Dreadzone & Depeche Mode, Tim Minchin & Toby Schmitz in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, a new poetry collection from Anthony Lawrence, entering my poetry into the Jean Cecily Drake-Brockman Poetry Prize (one gets residencies in Canberra and Ireland as well as money if one wins), success with my HSC students and bringing my home bird list to 150 species. Bring 'em all on!

LJ, January 21 2013

POEM #25

JANUARY NIGHT

The last beer nut
in the bowl

is a beetle
mimicking
death.

Jacko
doesn't
care.

*

On the porch,
head-butting
our electric sun,
beer nuts,
their prayers
answered.

LJ, January 13 2013.

DROP EVERYTHING AND READ

2 international studies from 2012 showed Australian kids' reading levels are lagging behind many other countries. In fact, Australia was ranked 27 out of 45 countries when it came to reading. Year 4 kids were studied. This is disturbing. Maybe, a disgrace.

In all the talk that came out of this, a lot was said about teachers and how proficient their teaching is. Teachers were expected to lift standards, indeed, save the day. Sigh. I'm sure teachers are doing a hell of a lot.

I'd like to ask if parents are really doing all they can to help, support and challenge their kids when it comes to reading. Are parents readers themselves? Are they just reading the latest Bryce Courtenay, 50 Shades of Grey, cooking books and tabloids? Are parents demonstrating to their kids that reading is crucial? Where are the role models for Year 4 kids who need assistance with reading?

Lastly, is Australia really a nation of readers or are we kidding ourselves?

LJ, January 9 2013.

THE HOSTAGE

I hope that Warren Rodwell, held in Mindanao by Abu Sayyaf, can be released this year. The Australian Government needs to prioritise his welfare. It seems this fellow has done nothing wrong. He is no threat to anyone.

About twelve years back, an old mate of mine and I contemplated visiting Mindanao. I wanted to see a Haribon, or Monkey-eating Eagle, an endangered bird from the island. We decided against it after the Australian Government issued a travel warning. From memory, an American tourist had been beheaded.

LJ, January 3 2013.

POEM #24

FACT

The male
Sydney Funnel-web
was the only thing
in the universe
that spooked
Darth Vader.


LJ, January 3 2013.