Australia Day Poem by Ivan Donn Carswell

might have been a consequence of
three strong coffees or the splendid
isolation but woe is me, did I forget
which was our National Day?

‘tho every day’s a holiday out here
when living green, in landed hearts
seasons tend to rule the roost while
celebrations merely lend a hand

so when I made apologies to friends
an allergy prevented me attending
there today (a barbeque no less)
they kindly told me where and when

National BBQ Day’s next Tuesday
I’m advised as I sneeze vigorously, a
wet disclaimer of hay-fevered eyes;
good heavens, how could I forget!
© 19 January 2010, I. D. Carswell

Australia Day was Tuesday 26 January