s ’ m a P POEMS
By Pamela Payne
It Was the Way He Moved It was the way he moved when I caught his eye, as his shoulders swayed side to side. It was the way he moved when he played the game leaving others with nowhere to hide, It was the way he moved as he held me close, with the warmth of his body near mine. The warmth, the warmth oh I miss it so, Oh the warmth of his body. The warmth of his body near mine. If the weather was cold, without second thought he would hold me within his strong arms, It was the way that he moved that made my heart melt with the love that I felt and the beautiful warmth that we shared then he’d move in his way and to this very day, that warmth he gave showed me he cared.
POEMS Pam Payne 16/1/2016
By Pamela Payne
My Norma I’ve tried to write this poem now, for years and years and years. But then I get emotional, my eyes awash with tears. The reason is, I cannot find, the words I need to pen, to tell you of my Norma, my sister, my best friend. Just simple words are all I know like loving, gentle, true and kind. They are all fact, but nowhere near the feelings Norma brings to mind. Norma was eleven, when I came into her world. How lucky can a baby be, to have her for a sister, with her special heart for me. A childhood full of memories of such love and of such fun. My life was made much sweeter, by that present from my Mum. She left for me a sister Who loves me like she would. And as we have each other, we both know that .. Life Is Good. by Pam (Colthup) Payne 10/11/1999
Photos on my Wall There are many photos on my walls each one a different face. In the lounge room, in the halls it’s hard to find an empty place. They catch my eye as I pass by And seem to say to me “I’m with you now and evermore deep in your heart I’ll always be.” Some of my dearest family These faces I adore They seem to smile , I stop awhile their loving voice, I long for. My Mum and Dad gone many years My sister, brothers both, and now my Ernie too Has gone …no longer here. My comfort found as I look around At the many photos on my walls Pam Payne 1/10/2010
Murray - Muz – Muzza Can they be all one man Put them all together add Payne and sure you can He’s everybody’s “first call” when something needs a mending Legal advice, or carpentry it’s for Muzza we’re all sending Crash hot mechanics, a fancy dress, or puncture, car or bike. He will even cut your lunch for you while he runs your company hike, Muz makes us all look grouse with his photographic nous, and can work the same magic renovating an old house. Muz has been a student and has also loved to teach. Pumped petrol in the hard times, nothing seems beyond his reach. You will find among these few words what those who know him know He’s a wise man, a kind man, a rare and generous find, one who shares his life with those who love him, asks for little and loves fun. While some will know his strength as he goes to any length, to be that real man and that true man and like his dad a man’s man, and the kindness in his heart shows in his smiling eyes . If you have him as a friend he’ll stand by you till the end. Let me tell this ... you’re bloody lucky. By an Old Lady Who Loves Him – His Mum 5/12/2015
My beautiful day “What a beautiful day I had with you ...” We didn’t do much, there’s not much I can do. Around and round with time to think So much to see round the big City Link Melbourne town, how much it has changed, Night clubs and coffee shops all re-arranged The old classic buildings no longer pride of place Just cold glass and concrete taking their space We used o say “Let’s go to Town” or ”Meet me in the City” Now it’s just the CBD’ I reckon that’s a pity You made for me a yummy lunch, how many will we share? My legs are now like rubber, and I’m counting every stair. We drove around that CBD’ We drove across the bridges with the Yarra in our reach the streets. the roads. the laneways and the Highway down Beaconsfield Parade along the beach. From Northcote to Cheltenham and back To visit my lifetime, my Steve throws me a lifeline, Just for me in his way he gives me his whole day. As I said a the start from down deep in my heart “What a beautiful day I had with you ... Steven” Pam Payne 10/11 /2015
What is A Friend - To Me, That’s Joan A school playground A wooden desk A group of friends A pal To me, that’s Joan. Two teenagers that laugh a lot Tram rides to work One long walk home Her tram fare spent Perhaps on lunch Perhaps on smokes Yet, still a smile To me, that’s Joan.
Tucked up in her tiny room On Sunday She would sleep till noon Or 2 o’clock, or even 3 If she was not harassed by me “Come on Joan, now look awake, There’s boys and tennis by the lake!” Suddenly, bright-eyed and smiling “I’ll be right there” We never seemed to have a care To me, that’s Joan.
Our families grow Two sons for me Two boys and girl for her Such busy years We seldom meet But chatter on the phone Don’t interrupt her movie though To me, that’s Joan. One of the nicest things I’ve ever heard Was said to me by Joan “If her boys grew as nice as mine She would not ask for more” Imagine How proud she made me feel To me, that’s Joan.
A girl that seemed more popular than most Such sparkle and Such fun Together, we saw movies A sunny instant smile was always Swam, suntanned there it seemed and danced across the ballrooms of For everyone our town Including boys, The years of life we’ve shared were good From Albert Park to Moonee Ponds The weight lifters, And full o fun And home. The bike riders, But who can say A sip or two, a fag The butchers, all said Perhaps, And good fun always guaranteed “How high?” The best is yet to come. To me, that’s Joan When Joan said “Jump” She rarely sat alone Our sense of fashion similar To me, that’s Joan. With skirts skin tight and flat heeled shoes Our thoughts both on one line The stunning bride Well, so it seemed With slippers made of glass Or was that stunning “ballerina” And heel so high Mine? She’s taller now than even me To me, that’s Joan.. The years fly by For you Joan, written with love, Pam 10/6/1999
Lorraine, My Dearest Friend
How often my mind wanders back and thoughts just tumble in of happy times together with, Lorraine, my dearest friend. An old church hall of rods and flags, a tinkly of piano keys, red cellophane net. We are the stars, Wirths Circus yet, with Lorraine, my dearest friend.
Full figure and fine skin, long legs and freckles side by side. Junk jewellry and an diamond ‘L’ A corner shop a bungalow. “The King is Dead” “Long live the Queen” From long ago, these thought that make me smile of times we shared Lorraine - my dearest friend. Her golden tan, accentuates my sunburnt nose. Square dancing alamaine left and sasache to the right. Full skirts of green that rattle when we twirl with tiny bows of raffia. An exhibition a medal We are the stars again, me and Lorraine - my dearest friend.
The movies, at The Kinema The Park. Walking each other home, a whiff of smoke, the flicker of a light; the house on fire? or just a candle and my Dad. “Lorrrraaaaine, don’t be late (and then “The last dances’ at 11, be home by half past 10!”
The Carmalite. Excitement every week, Foxtrots, a Modern Waltz, a sparkling mirrored ball. Good Catholic boys, with funny names like Mocca,Westie Plugger yet, or Marysville, the tilt - and photographs. A horse ride round a park, applause and bows, stars yet again all with Lorraine - my dearest friend. Then on the scene the footballers. A mighty mix broad shoulders speedy legs and boots with stops and liniment “Come on the Bloods” The Southern Stars The Colts We’d watched them all match after match Me, and Lorraine - my dearest friend.
A rover each a great idea, our friendship sealed forever. They may be handsome tough and rugged (they,’ve yet to prove they’re clever!) Two baby boys for us for starters Then off they set a girl, a boy, a girl a boy, ditto,ditto space and Matt (the end) A family of my favourites all for Lorraine - my dearest friend.
We played as children grew through adolesence then danced along the teenage road and raised our children in our prime Now wrinkles and grey hair are things we share\and laugh about or I.C.70’s the waterfront Clarrieisms, well we’ll share retirement soon and maybe travel Oar maybe more and maybe we’ll get really old together so alike, so different. There’s no-one means the same to me, as. Lorraine - my dearest friend. Pam Payne 15/8/99
Tomorrows Man - Stewart What does tomorrow hold for my Stewart tomorrows man. I hope I pray all his tomorrows will be right The air - it will be sweet for him no smog, or acid rain. It will be safe, to walk alone down any street, at night if that’s his wish for Stewart tomorrows man. His dreams need know no bounds. His hearts desire - he’ll find.
The friends he’ll have will be like him strong, honest true and kind. A gentle life is what he’ll know with love and laughs and luck - all this and more that’s what tomorrow holds for Stewart tomorrows man. Most of these things, I write were mine, as I grew up, now may my world let them be his, this tiny boy my Stewart, he’ll be tomorrows man.
Pam Payne 18/12/1991
Madeleine Louise Payne “The baby’s here!” my small boy said, “And Grandma, its a girl!” Our tiny princess had arrived our hearts were in a whirl. A mop of soft black curls her crown, blue sapphire eyes - her jewels. She holds our hearts in her small hand. No sweeter sight in all our land. Just watch that dimple when she smiles, to see her learn and watch her grow, I’ll share her love awhile I know. It lights my world already. They’ve named her Madeleine Louise, Louise for my dear mother. They could not make me happier, for all my life I’ll love her. One day, maybe, in years to come, she’ll read these words, remembering me, her Daddy’s mum, her very own Grandmother. Pam Payne 17/4/1993 For Madeleine Louise
Acceptance. It seems a simple word – acceptance, But yet to me it means the world, To me, I need, acceptance. Each day a change effects my life, A little change that always require, acceptance. My fingers work a little slower, not as strong, and not as nimble, And so to cope, I call upon, acceptance. The knees, the ankles and my toes all want to sleep, Again for that, I work hard for, acceptance, I’ll fight these changes while I can, But the body’s old as is the mind which again requires acceptance. The smart tiny woman in my head, so wise, so sharp who’s always right acknowledges my loss and says to me “Acceptance, be sure my boys, my family, my friends all understand, as strange as it may seem, I find some comfort in acceptance. Pam Payne 7/9/2015
The Caravan Sits Idle The caravan sits idle, in the carport, out the front We need to sweep the leaves away and fill the tyres a bit It needs a wash and polish and a paint to move it on But he’s not here to do these things, not here to tend to it with willing hands and his strong back, with a whistle and a song. Inside the van are things of his that I somehow hold dear, His doonah and his pillow, his cup and special knife, Some books, a battered boogie board, his golf clubs and his chair They fill the van, they fill my heart, but still he is not there... he’s gone. So the van just sits and looks at me and whispers ”You must move on.”
“Be glad of all the times you shared, the friends you’ve made and laughs you had together on the road. Don’t be greedy wanting more for nothing lasts forever except memories and they’re yours.” Yes, I have all the memories, and they are mine alone, that I can call up any time in Winter or the Spring I close my eyes and feel him close, just by…. remembering. So when I’m asked “What’s doing with the van?” I think I’ll say “I’m moving on” and do the best I can. Pamela Payne 1/7/2010
The Grandie A grandie is a grandchild. One’s own flesh and blood, No other child compares to it, No other child’s as good. You have to treat it with great care, Its value is so great Your life revolves around it. If it’s sleeping or awake. You’re thrilled when there’s a visit That’s one of your great joys, To see your neat and tidy hone Is overrun with toys. It’s a squeaky little devil, Sometimes wet and sometimes dry, Sometimes screaming, sometimes wailing. Sometimes silently bye bye. Such a precious tiny bundle, It cannot be left alone, Yet your secret little pleasure Can be guessed by Grandpa’s yawn, It’s when the car drives slowly off And Mummy takes it home. Pam Payne
A Faded Line
There’s a shadow where the van has stood, A faded line across the ground. A stranger paid and towed it out, With just a shadow to be found. How can a ‘space’ affect me so, A faded line across the ground, There’s nothing there, nothing to show, Yet vivid in my mind, it’s stands the van all packed and set to go. I see my Ern, his cap askew checking the locks, brakes, tyres too. “Lets go” he smiles, I check the lights It bounces down the kerb… But it’s not there, it’s in my mind and that faded line across the ground.
The Mother of Boys I believe I was meant to be the mother of boys. And the mother of boys I am At first there was my Steven. A tiny babe so soft and fair. with big blue eyes and silky hair, Then Murray came with his smile so big and bright And the way our Steven loved him Their world was made just right, They grew up close together, and shared everything they had they each had just one brother, and a loving mum and dad. They never fought these gentle boys. They grew to gentle men. They take pride in each others skills Even though their lives have had their spills They enjoy themselves in different ways They Are so alike, yet not the same Now they play at life like it’s their game They have taught me what I’ve always known With sons like them I will be truly known, As the mother of boys Now The Mother of Boys is The Mother of Men. so THE MOTHER OF MEN I am. Pam Payne 6/10/2015
The Mother The baby’s new the mother too The rules are set And you can bet No-one knows better than The Mother. These months go by The standards high No sugar cheese or cake May pass his gums Ooops, Pa sometimes slips A tiny taste of life Between his tiny lips But do not tell The Mother What do “the oldies” know The times have changed What tastes the best cannot be good Just textbook stuff Just you ask The Mother
Well giver her time, A tiny voice will tell he “I can; I want, I will” Then she’ll remember That she can learn from The Mother “Don’t let him near the water Pa” (How come she didn’t drown) Wait till she’s shopping Then there’s no stopping Splashing little arms and legs Just playing in the sand And shaking A few short years and he’ll be kayaking !!! But in the meantime, Sweet time, dream time Be sure o listen to THE MOTHER
Blink I don’t know what to think My life is just a blink I’m just a kid at school and blink. A girl at work. a dancing fool and blink A footballer, a bride and blink Two baby boys and blink At High School, then they’re married men and blink They’re older than I feel and blink I’m Grandma now, and still I blink I’m on The Old Age Pension, again I blink I think, I think, I’m on the brink, I think , I think – I MUST NOT BLINK ! Pam Payne 16/2/2005
Think Back Think back when we were children How slowly time went by How gently, quietly, warmly. The sun moved through the sky. A day would last forever, filled with Morning, noon and night Finding love in every moment With a future shining bright. Then that future kept you busy Time sped up through middle age. Life rolled on in all directions, Time was shed at every stage. So take care as you grow older As the years fly by so fast Time will run out, there is no doubt To soon today becomes ‌ the past Pam Payne 12/7/2010
Chloe So my darling Great Niece has turned 21 with sparkling blue eyes full of fun. There is no stopping her,as she gives life a whirl and her years are just twenty and one now her big world has started it’s run. She‘s my Richards sweet girl, his to ruin, And Cheryl’s little dolly to spoil l I remember the tot, with a frown on her face Would insist “I not Kwowee , Kwowee “ May she always remember this day In those memories she’ll hear us all say” “Treat the world as your pearl, you’re our beautiful girl. And have the best 21st day …” Pam Payne 5/5/2015
This Little Sue This little Sue , from the day she was born, seemed to be the centre of attraction. She could sing , she could dance and with no underpants fling her limbs off in any direction. And right from the start, she could win any heart With the flash of her eyes and so cute Suzie was lucky to be in a great family With a darling Godmother to boot, to boot Coz that darling Godmother was me, he he How lucky can one Suzie be. Then along came Dan, smooth talkin’ Dan Then Sharp PJ, and Handsome Big Tim With these mighty men it is always win, win’ Sue’s life is stuffed full of good times So I’ll share with her some of my rhymes After all the hard work she’s put in, put in After all the great love she’s put in. How our world loves her so. Lets all give her a go And make all her lovin’ bounce back, bounce back Sue’s bountiful lovin’ bounce back. “Godmother Pam Payne” 15/10/2015
From Gwen Through Pam From my heart a tiny spot of love, reflects, within the eye of the friendly butcher bird as he hops sprightly by. A kinship felt, with birds so small, that stayed one day, to show themselves upon my lawn and sing to me a call. I know they came to ease my loss, and tell me, in their way, that some love lasts forever and is never far away. Perhaps, I pray , in years to be, as life must end its run, my heart may find a butcher bird to fly with them into the sun. Pam Payne.
This lovely friend and her parents are long gone, but in reading this I remember them as the friendly family they were when I was just a school girl at Middle Park Thank you for your kind words regarding my poems. I get a lot of pleasure writing them and I like friends to read them as I think they show another side to me. I have sent 2 more just for you, enjoy. I wrote this tiny poem when a friend, of many years, confided in me a story of her Mum and Dad’s visit of a tiny butcher bird in their garden
“OH … ST KILDA ROAD” While driving down the boulevarde, What did I see in front of me? but a faded building with weeds grown so high that I had to stop, not pass it by. It must have been a charmer once, just the address tells you that, and the views from every window called “Come in and weep, the sight so fine, With a tiny glimps of our treasured Shrine”. Is it to far from my worker’s pay If I crawl to the bankers and beg for a loan? Could I ever call a spot like this home? My heart skipped a beat , and I took a big breath Then I put it to Paul and the man that he is, Said “It’s what we deserve , after rearing 4 kids” So the paperwork’s done and we’re in the home run. Now to turn middle age into buckets of fun. We will walk in the gardens and swim at St Kilda We will dine in the city and see every show Shop in the markets , then we ride on the tram And we’ll be very toffee, sipping coffee, with Pam. When our friends come to visit, not a cuppa at home But through Melbourne’s bright laneways is where we will roam Then a Melbourne Town coffee in a cobbled back pavement We will tell of the day our heart fell in love with ‘Oxley’s grandly positioned Luxury town apartment With an address so sweet Melbourne’s St Lilda Road “Bring it on.” Pam Payne 2/2/2016
22 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES It’s August 8 in Two O 10 and Richard Payne is set A promise made he means to keep, and he will keep it yet. The water, deep and cold, the man not young, but old. Rough sand, damp and chilling, his heart is set , his body willing Start with rhythm, keep it strong, big hands dig deep, the stroke is long. His heart is set, his mind is too. He swims for family, he swims for you. He meets the unrelenting waves, just one stroke at a time. He takes a drink, a bite to eat, from a bottle, on a line. The hours churn by, he powers on but gets no nearer ending He reaches 19 hours but the tide runs fast and holds him still, yet Richard keeps on swimming. In half an hour the tide has changed, his strength now known amazingly, from 36 to 46, he lifts his stroke to power home. “Herculean effort Richard Payne, the best we’ve ever seen …INCREDIBLE “You’ve been swimming almost a day … - UNBELEIVEABLE. 22 hours and more – Non Stop “ Go Richard – You’re the Man “ There’s just a half a mile to go “A no-brainer” calls a fan. The last 100 metres swum, crawl over cutting rocks to stand, free of the water “YOU ARE THE MAN” To do it for your son and daughter. Walk down the beach, collect the rocks to give to the ones that love you A reminder of the day YOU swam the bloody English Channel. Swim to the boat, as the rules demand, and climb on board with effort “How do you feel Rich?” the question asked, is answered with a smile “I don’t know John , Happy, Sad, Tired” Written for our dearest nephew Richard Payne Pam Payne. 21/12/2010
Meet My New Friend Meet my new friend, ugly isn’t it ? All heavy bolts and jutting wheels, awkward isn’t it ? No keys to make the monster start just sweaty hands and pumping heart no purring motor, no racing start, gross isn’t it?
And bawling when the car went didn’t either, Now I’m walking round the block a bit, and I know that I’m not very fit. so I’m heading my friend home to have a breather
It’s one of the ugliest things I own, But i give credit where it’s due. My dad taught me that now I share it with you The dam sturdy thing is my new best friend. Coz without it I can’t get around like you do.
When we get there I’ll give the thing a wash, as I can’t get far without her I’ve decided I will like her and when we get there I’ll give her a good polish Even with her I don’t get far and she can’t replace the red car But as things stand she will have to do She keeps me upright which is slow but it’s the WAY THAT I MUST GO . THE ONLY WAY, THE ONLY WAY, THE ONLY WAY, THE ONLY WAY I HAVE TO GO
This friend makes a difference to my everyday living It keeps me upright and upon close inspection It keeps old legs going in the right direction There are no running costs, and as far as I know All I have to do is to get up and go. Well whinging gained naught and self pity didn’t seem to help
Pam Payne 10/12/2015
STUMPS What can I say that hasn’t been said? What can I say now that Bradman is dead? Do I sit and reflect? Do I sit and compare? But there’s none who come near him, it seems quite unfair. We Aussies have oodles of sporting icons Though none with a record to rival the Don’s. When Archer stormed home to win the first cup Then Phar Lap and Ajax kept punters hopes up. Les Darcy and Fammo and Lionel were kings They carried our prayers when they ruled the ring. Laver and Newcomb and Rosewell stepped up With Sedgeman and Hoad they owned Davis Cup To beat Walter Lindrum the rules were all changed Yet still he kept winning against all who came. Jon Bertand and Plympton and the old “Oarsome Four” They tipped the worlds best and brought fame to our shore Boy Charlton and Dawny, Perkins and Klim Couldn’t be stopped when they dived into swim. Cuthbert and Strickland and Boyle way back when Matched Landy and Lincoln and Clarke - the best men
Now Freeman, Geoff Hunt and League From Darwin to Hobart from Perth or to Glebe At riding or shooting whatever your sport There’s not many lessons the Aussies need taught. To see Thompson and Norman and Webb play the course To watch Higgins, Purtell and Munro ride a horse Brabham or Jones or Jonson and Brock Doonhan and Gardner all racing the clock. But across the whole nation all action would cease While the listened as Bradman strode out to the crease. To face the old foe, to add to the score, He humbled the bowlers, made 334. Jordine played it dirty with Larwood and Co. Battered and bruised he stood up to them though. You can’t tame a champion - no matter what tricks With old Billy Ponsford he gave them some stick. Honours and glory came to his name Never his equal has been seen in this game. And never his equal will we ever see The best Aussie sportsman - that’s if you ask me. With pride we’ll recall you - though we will not mourn Sir Donald ‘it’s over’ - the stumps have been drawn
Pam Payne 10/2/2010
The Sparkle That is Lorraine It’s the bright little sparkle I’ll mention when she walks up to you with a “Hi” Then her smile demands your attention and together they light up your sky, Then she gives you a kiss and a cuddle and brings you up to scratch with good cheer Then the jelly cakes cover the table and a hot cup of tea will appear, While arranging the roses she brought me says “Now I have to fly. To my home in the sky” Then she sparkles again, my darling Lorraine, leaving me with a room full of kisses Now I know she’ll come back when she can ‘coz she loves me, she loves me, she loves me. Her own, very dear Aunty Pam 3/11/2015
Made by Muzx Brought to you by Murray & Sue, Stewart & Maddie, Steven, Richard and Cheryl.