New Day

A rainbow arches toward our kitchen window –
my husband saw it first,
I look out on a rain-swept early hour thrilled
by nature’s colour burst.
What more will the day bring?
I wonder this very thing
‘cause I’m not to know
how today’s unfolding could be.

Now settled into night
our house all silent and still,
save for my mind and me
scratching with a pen.
Writing how the day came, then
in no order to imagine
it amazingly fulfilled anticipation –
and tomorrow to do it all again.

Anniversary

I woke from a dream to the boiling kettle,
he must have slipped out and left me sleeping.
Draped in dressing gown I watched him cook toast
from the edge of light, then back to sheets creeping.

From under the covers I could hear the tray
clink as he climbed in carefully.
We drank tea in bed like every morning,
today each one not wanting to say ‘Happy Anniversary’.

He glanced over and said, ‘you still look good
after all these years, how long’s it been now?’
‘Thirty-four married,’ I say.
‘Thirty-five since you first asked me out’.

I could feel myself melt – hear the tone ease.
He never remembers the numbers
but he’s trying hard to please because – last night’s fight –
both of us know we’ll be alright.

We decide on an afternoon
drive to see our only son,
hours and the day surpassed –
this anniversary’s done.

Annette Hunt-Bown was born in Adelaide’s Elizabeth and lives in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Music, dance, art and poetry have been her lifelong interests and involvements. Currently along with any actual poetry writing, she is engaged in a course of poetry studies.

Readers’ original and unpublished poems of up to 40 lines can be emailed, with postal address, to [email protected]. Submissions should be in the body of the email, not as attachments. A poetry book will be awarded to each accepted contributor.