​Hot sunny days, balmy nights,
BBQ's and Christmas lights,
Sweaty armpits, Mozzie bites,
Frogs croaking, sleepless nights.
Blow flies buzzing all day long,
Cicadas sing their mating song.
Gardens wilt in searing heat,
Burning soles on naked feet.
Days get hotter by degrees,
Heightened by a lack of breeze.
Paddocks bare, no grass to eat,
Water low and dams deplete.
Livestock standing, lean and weak,
Snakes sunbaking by the creek.
Clouds are gathering in the sky,
Dogs are restless where they lie.
Lightening flashes everywhere,
Scent of moisture in the air.
Raindrops fall, light at first,
Heaven sent to quell a thirst.
Heavy now on rooftops pound,
Welcome water on thirsty ground.
But showers sent are far too brief –
Humid weather gives no relief.
Still, Summer marches on its way,
Weaker with each passing day.
 
Searing heat has been upstaged,
Autumn brings a brand-new page.
Colours of yellow, red and gold,
Fresh new season begins to unfold.
Showers fall on arid ground,
Green grass sprouting in the brown.
Thirsty earth drinks in the rain,
Flora and fauna thrive again.
Snakes slink into hibernation,
Fireman rest with quiet elation.
Milder days are on the menu,
Outdoors is the chosen venue.
Jackets now common attire,
Evening drinks around a fire.
Leaves fall in a scattered mess,
Trees left in a state of undress.
Dewy dampness in the air,
Winter’s chill lurks out there.
Autumn can’t keep it at bay,
Accepts defeat and slips away.
 
An eerie wind howls all around,
Indoors sheltered safe and sound.
Winter woollies warm and snug,
Hot chocolate and a cosy rug.
On the roof, the pelting rain
Running down the windowpane.
Out of bed on a chilly morn,
Jack Frost spread across the lawn.
Lace-like threads on spiderwebs,
Shrubs and trees dressed like debs.
Crunch of grass from booted feet,
Eggs and bacon, winter’s treat.
Frosts all gone, skies are blue,
Clouds pass and sun shines through.
Then Winter shows its cruel deceit,
Sending forth its hail and sleet.
So, time to snuggle in a cosy bed,
To read the books we haven’t read.

Soon there will be much longer days,
The seasons in a brand-new phase.
Milder days soothe winter’s sting,
Bringing forth more pleasant things.
Soon tiny buds burst into flower,
Responding to a passing shower.
Warm sun sends its golden rays,
Clearing away the dismal days.
Shoots appear on naked trees,
Grasses sway in a gentle breeze.
Chirping birds in feathered vests
Busily building brand new nests.
Joggers on their morning run,
Children outside having fun.
Warm clothes shed for light attire,
Blooming gardens to admire.
Neighbours outside busily mowing,
Veggie patch, now right for sowing.
Buzzing bees for nectar search,
Magpies warble from their perch.
Oh, what joy to welcome Spring
And the new life it is bound to bring.
 
Betty Milligan,
Published in ‘Benalla Poet’s Corner’ in the Benalla Ensign, Wednesday November 11, 2020

When I was a little girl and lived just up the track
In a small weatherboard cottage with gum trees out the back.
It was about a mile from town so it wasn't all that far,
And I had to walk or ride my bike, 'cos we didn't have a car.
Our lifestyle was very simple, but we were never poor
Tho it may have seemed that way because of the clothes I wore!
We didn't have electricity, but the  house and land were ours
Dad had a vegie garden, a horse and several cows
And pigs he reared for pork, and the bacon was a treat.
One new dress for 'going out' was purchased every year
And of course, a winter coat, before Jack Frost appeared.
Otherwise my clothes were few, mended, darned and patched,
But clean and pressed - and they nearly always matched.
I always recall what grandma said if I should dare complain.
She told me more than once, now it's etched into my brain.
"Keep your hair clean and brush it until it shines,
Tie it up with a pretty ribbon and you will look just fine.
Polish up your shoes and make sure they're very clean
Then nobody will ever notice what's worn in between."
My dad he mended all my shoes and replaced worn soles,
Toe caps and heel caps and the leather covered holes.
And woe betide me if shoes came off with laces still untied!
He'd always check the state of them, in case by chance I lied.
Although I loved my best dress, I wish I had one more
Maybe just to add a little change to the clothes I wore.
To school I wore a navy tunic with pleats so hard to press,
While in the summer month, a boring navy dress.
Eventually the nuns at school taught me how to sew,
How to use a pattern and other things to know.
So I made myself a garment I wore with pride and joy -
It was a vest and slacks, all made of corduroy.
When finally I left school and gained my independence
And with new experience boosted up my confidence.
I'd check out all the stores and clothing out on show
Then I'd get on my machine, and sew and sew and sew.
Very soon my wardrobe was filled up to capacity
And the clothes that I wore added class to my vivacity!
Now, before going out, I check that my hair and shoes are clean
But I always get to choose what's worn in between,
Whether they are conservative, or maybe even daring
I am always comfortable in the clothes that I am wearing.


Betty Milligan
​April 2018