Issue 4 2010 - Learning and teaching portal - Victoria University
Issue 4 2010 - Learning and teaching portal - Victoria University
Issue 4 2010 - Learning and teaching portal - Victoria University
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The estate of the philosopher<br />
by Paul Yeatman<br />
Pondering the rising of the moon<br />
So soon the sky turns to slate.<br />
The streetlights popped.<br />
At the lights the traffic stopped.<br />
Over the encircling wall<br />
The ball of the moonlight heaves.<br />
Colourbond glows.<br />
The sound of the highway traffic slows.<br />
We should’ve spent the fifty gr<strong>and</strong><br />
We planned to buy across the park.<br />
Regrets flowed.<br />
Someone parked across the road.<br />
The air conditioner’s gentle hum<br />
The thrum of the fountain’s pump.<br />
A buzz of voices.<br />
We had so many choices.<br />
The agent showed us plots with a view<br />
A few were over by the lake.<br />
Money’s down.<br />
At least we’re in this blessed town.<br />
The double story was the pick<br />
They’re thick on the ground over there.<br />
Fifty gr<strong>and</strong>.<br />
I could’ve made a stronger st<strong>and</strong>.<br />
She’ll be home soon.<br />
The moon is getting higher.<br />
Pergola dreaming.<br />
Somewhere ACDC’s screaming.<br />
The double garage is what sold me<br />
You see we need two cars.<br />
We both work.<br />
But on weekends we go berserk.<br />
This is the life<br />
The wife <strong>and</strong> I have made it.<br />
That new house smell.<br />
All our friends think we’ve done well.<br />
Excepting I don’t like this street.<br />
It’s neat but too many kids around.<br />
White st<strong>and</strong>ard roses.<br />
At least we’re away from those damned<br />
bulldozers.<br />
We can’t decide on televisions.<br />
Decisions—LCD or plasma?<br />
A car door.<br />
Is that her returning from the store?<br />
This is the life<br />
The wife <strong>and</strong> I have made it.<br />
Backyard delight.<br />
I wonder what the poor people are doing<br />
tonight?<br />
Think I’ll have another glass.<br />
All class the houses ‘round here are.<br />
A shooting star.<br />
I’m pretty sure that that’s her car.<br />
After the TV we’ll get the pool<br />
It’s cool to have one in the yard.<br />
We’ve got good stuff.<br />
I feel sorry for those who do it tough.<br />
This is the life<br />
The wife <strong>and</strong> I have made it.<br />
Fantastic weather.<br />
I wish we had more time together.<br />
It’s nice to have a quiet think<br />
And drink while waiting here.<br />
A bit more dough…<br />
I’d rather watch a TV show.<br />
I’m sick of waiting every night<br />
Half tight, waiting for her to come.<br />
Blasted shop.<br />
This second job will have to stop.<br />
Paul Yeatman is a Melbourne writer <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Victoria</strong>n school principal.<br />
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