Instead of my usual blog, today’s post is a poem by a young Perth writer—my son, Sam*.
I loved this poem about the Swan River. I loved the sense of darkness that pervades it—the clouds, the ‘looming’ city, the shadows, the houses trapping the river, the boats cowering—which contrasts with the peacefulness of the water, rippling and tapping against the boats.
With permission from my friend, Mia Laing, I have included her painting of boats on Freshwater Bay, as I thought the poem and the art complemented each other perfectly.
Freshwater Bay, by Mia Laing
THE SWAN RIVER
by Sam
The sky is thick with a blanket of clouds,
Rolling over the surging river,
Marching westward, towards the sun,
On a never-ending journey across the world.
The trees and hills loop around the water
The houses crowd in, trapping the river,
They go on and on, snaking around,
Stretching as long as the river itself.
The city looms in the distance,
As large and tall as the cloudy sky.
It casts long, dark shadows that reach out,
As if trying to dig into the river.
In one corner, the boats are cowering,
They don’t dare venture out,
But sit, buffeted by gentle ripples,
Hoping they can hide from the wind.
The river stretches out, water rippling,
Gently playing, tapping the boats around.
It laps at the shore, trying to break through,
But the shore is as strong as steel.
Author Bio:
Sam loves reading and writing. He often tells his mother he’s doing his homework, when he’s reading instead. Sam wrote his first novel when he was eight, and he’s currently writing the second book in his trilogy. He says he’s writing a trilogy because a series would be too hard. His pet hates are finishing a book and having to leave the world of that story, and falling asleep as soon as he climbs into bed because he likes to lie in the dark imagining his stories. Sam wrote his poem, The Swan River, in 2014, aged eleven.
Artist Bio:
Mia is a West Australian artist, wife and mother. She’s paints still life, landscape, pet portraits and life portraits, especially of children. You can read more about her and view her paintings on her website.
*It’s my blog, and I’m allowed a bit of nepotism from time-to-time!
I really enjoyed reading this poem, Sam. My favourite part is the first line, followed by the part about the houses crowding in, trapping the river.
Good on you for sharing it. It’s a big step sharing your writing with the world.
And Mia, another beautiful painting. I’d love to have one of your paintings hanging in my house.
Thanks, Monique. I’ve been asking Sam’s permission to post this poem on my blog for about six months, and he finally agreed! I love Mia’s paintings, and we’re lucky enough to have one of them gracing the walls of our house.
I love this poem, so many brilliant images of our beloved Swan River. Yet within the poem, for me, there’s an undercurrent of threat to the river from rampant development. Mia’s painting compliments the poem beautifully. Thanks for sharing your poem Sam, and hope to read much more of your writing in the future. And good on you for being such a voracious reader! It’s a no wonder that you’re such a terrific writer.
Yes, I loved that about the poem, too, Marlish.
Sam is a voracious reader, as you say, and I have a huge internal conflict whenever I have to confiscate his book until homework’s done. Some days, if he has nothing on, he spends the whole day reading. Just last night, he came up to the attic at 10pm to show me the next book he wanted to buy. I know it’s not really a problem, and I’m not really complaining!
Bravo, Sam!
I’ll pass it on! 🙂
i LOVE that last line; so foreboding! And Louise, nepotise away, why on earth not!
I love it too! So unexpected! And yes, what’s a blog for if you can’t indulge in some nepotism?
What a talented duo. Thank you for sharing, Louise
They are both talented artists, methinks! Thanks for visiting, Gulara. x
Talented family!
Thanks, Lily 🙂
Sam it’s clear you are a lover of words; you use them to paint pictures and to capture moments before they pass. I hope you keep reading and writing to nurture your talent and continue to help it grow. I admire your willingness to share your work–that is something many grown-ups are hesitant to do.
As others have already commented on, Mia’s painting pairs perfectly withe Sam’s poem. Thanks for being so generous Mia.
This is a time for you to shine, Sam, I hope you will share other pieces of your work. The world can always use another star to light the way. Well-done!
Penny, that is the most beautiful comment! Thank you so much. Sam will be so heartened to read it! (Can you come and live near me sometime soon?)
I agree, Mia’s painting is evocative of a stormy day, and there can never be too many beautiful words or artwork in the world.
excuse the typo that should be “with” not “withe”! Penny
I didn’t even notice, Penny! 🙂
Such a wonderful poem! Sam is obviously very gifted. I agree, he is a rising star, no doubt at all…how proud you must be Louise.
Thanks, Kim, and I’m glad you enjoyed Sam’s poem! I’m proud of him, always, as I am of all my kids!
Beautiful use of imagery Sam. I wonder where you inherited your talent from? Dad? Hehe 🙂
I loved the ‘cowering boats’.
I’m glad you liked it Michelle. I loved ‘cowering boats’ too. There are some gems of phrases, and I think my favourite is about the sky on its ‘never-ending journey across the world’.