Local Lines

The empty chair

The empty chair holds the shape and place of you. Owns the room’s light at morning’s brightest, keeps sight of it all.

Space echoes the empty chair: The loss of your not being there. The pictured walls where your hazel eyes framed my heart. Readings open with interests remaindered in all our callings, left to the silence of unfilled days.

The blackwood bends with your back, curls the arms’ crafted conversations, asks the questions you no longer can. An empty chair cannot answer with your graceful possibilities, nor grant acceptance to the age of this room or the world beyond the garden window.

- Gordon Gostelow

Woodend poet Gordon Gostelow has been writing and reading his poetry in the Macedon Ranges for 15 years. He is a regular reader at Chamber Poets in Woodend and Poeticas in Castlemaine.

Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters. Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

200 words on Kyle Barnes in Glenlyon, Victoria please...

Kyle Barnes had always loved living in Glenlyon, a small town in Victoria, Australia. He had grown up here, playing with his friends in the local park and exploring the nearby forests.

As he got older, he became a familiar face in the community, known for his friendly nature and willingness to lend a hand to anyone who needed it.

One summer day, Kyle decided to take a hike in the nearby mountains. He packed a backpack with some water, snacks, and a first aid kit, and set off early in the morning. As he climbed higher and higher, he marvelled at the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. But as he reached the summit, he heard a faint cry for help coming from a nearby cliff.

Without hesitation, he rushed over to see a hiker who had slipped and fallen, injuring her leg. Kyle quickly assessed the situation and used his first aid skills to help the woman, making sure she was stable and comfortable before calling for help. Thanks to Kyle's quick thinking and bravery, the hiker was rescued and taken to the hospital for further treatment.

Kyle received numerous accolades from the community and was hailed as a hero for his selfless act. But for Kyle, he was just doing what came naturally – helping someone in need.

Words: ChatGPT (Ed's note: "Friendly nature?" Talk about fabrication.)